Preparing the Research Paper

Students apply to JSHS by submitting a written report (abstract and/or paper as required by the region) of the completed research investigation, and Statement of Outside Assistance through Ideal-Logic. Additional supplementary forms will be requested and communicate regional policies and procedures.

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Eight Categories of Regional and National Symposia

At regional and National Symposia, student research presentations will be organized into eight categories. Categories are assigned based upon a review of all abstracts and the area of research suggested by the student. Categories suggested by the student are not guaranteed and may be changed after review of all abstracts.

Environmental Science
Environmental Science/Engineering: Bioremediation, Ecosystems management, Environmental engineering, Land Resource Management, Pollution, toxicity; impact upon ecosystem

Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical medicine, Microbiology, Cellular/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, Virology

Life & Behavioral Sciences
Developmental Biology, Plant Physiology, Population Genetics, General Biochemistry, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences

Medicine & Health
Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Epidemiology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pathology

Engineering & Technology
Aerospace, Aerodynamics, Electrical Engineering, Energy – Solar, Vehicle Development, Devices, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics

Mathematics & Computer Science
Probability and Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science – Algorithms, Databases, Networking, Computer Engineering

Physical Sciences
Astronomy, Physics-theoretical, Physics-Solid state, Acoustics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Particle Physics, Quantum Physics, Nuclear; Internet of Things–network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity

Chemistry
Physical Chemistry, Materials, Alternative Fuels, Organic Chemistry (possibly in life science), Chemical Engineering, Earth Science, Geochemistry, Energy–Alternative Fuels, Material Science

Abstract Preparation

All JSHS student applicants must submit a 250-word maximum abstract in electronic format. The abstract should accurately convey the essential nature of the research conducted and the most significant conclusions reached. The abstract must include the hypothesis and any conclusions reached as a result of the research. A further purpose of the abstract is to attract the interest and curiosity of the non-specialist reader and thus encourage exchange, discussion, and elaboration
between various authors and between authors and readers.

The format for the 250-word abstract includes 1-inch margins, single spaced, typed in 12-point font (Times New Roman). Abstracts must be adequate in length but not exceed these specifications. The header preceding the abstract body must include:

1. Title of the research;
2.  Author name;
3. High school, high school city, high school state;
4. Name of teacher/mentor/sponsor and his or her organization. Precede the individual’s name with a subheading (i.e. teacher, mentor, sponsor);
5. Include one line of space between the heading and the abstract body.

Symposium proceedings will include abstracts. Please carefully proofread your submission since abstracts will not be retyped or edited. Abstracts must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents unless otherwise specified during the registration process.

Research Paper Preparation

Affiliated regional symposia require submission of the research paper at varying times during the application process. Regional symposia may require submission of the research paper at the beginning of the application process or invite papers after the first review of abstracts is completed. Requirements for the research paper follow.

• The paper must be in APA Style student format. For help with APA, see the APA Guide and Purdue OWL. Both sites also have sample papers as examples.
• The paper should be a minimum of 5-6 pages and a maximum of 40 pages double-spaced, including appendices and references.
• Submitted papers must be double-spaced.
• Photography, graphs, tables, diagrams, charts, or other graphic representation presented in the paper must be simply presented.
• A recommended outline for the research paper includes:
  • a title page, or cover page stating the student’s name, school address, and title of the research,
  • acknowledgement of major assistance received,
  • as applicable, statement that “research involving non-human vertebrates or human subjects was conducted under the supervision of an experienced teacher or researcher and followed state and federal regulatory guidance applicable to the humane and ethical conduct of such research”,
  • table of contents,
  • introduction,
  • materials and methods,
  • results (data or findings),
  • discussion and conclusions,
  • references, or literature cited, and
  • appendices (if necessary but please keep in mind that the introduction is far more valuable in the judging process than appendices of raw data)

Helpful Hints

1. Use past tense and third person in describing completed research, and use present tense when stating existing facts and what is in the paper.
2. Incorrect spelling and sentence structure will discourage interest in your project and may call into question how carefully the science was done.
3. Assume that the reader is scientifically literate with a good technical vocabulary, but try to avoid the use of highly specialized words, jargon, or abbreviations without definition.
4. In an abstract, if the reference to the procedure is essential, try to restrict it to the identification of method or type of process employed. In the research paper, discuss the details of procedures and equipment.
5. State results, conclusions, or findings in a clear, concise fashion. Do not over-interpret your results.
6. Have your teacher and/or research mentor read your abstract and paper to make sure it communicates well.
7. Use the Oral and Poster Judging Rubrics to see that all parts of your abstract and your paper are present.
8. Cite relevant literature within the text and provide a literature cited list at the end of your project. An example of an acceptable style for citation is available at the ACS Publications website.

Note to students: Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification of your project.