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Biology / Microbiology ​

The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms collectively.

Projects in this category could involve the biology of organisms from the macroscopic scale to the microscopic scale (e.g., bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, yeast, genes, etc.)

Project Submission 

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1. Single Entry per Competition: Only one project can be entered per competition.

 

2. Scientific Paper: 

     a. Content: Submit a double -scientific paper (maximum 20 pages) that includes:

              i. Introduction: Background and purpose of the research. 

             ii. Experimental Section: Methods and results. 

            iii. Conclusion: Discussion of results and implications. 

     b. Formatting: include tables, graphs, charts, maps, photographs, raw data, references, and acknowledgements. 

     c. Identification: Each page must include: 

              i. Student's name

             ii. Page number

            iii. Unit name and number (Coraopolis NAACP #26AB-B)

     d. Supporting Documents: Submit all supporting documents with the scientific paper. 

     e. Send your written project to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the deadline of March 20

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Oral Presentation 

       

 3. Presentation Time: Deliver a minimum 10 - Minutes oral presentation. Additional time may be allotted for the judge's questions and responses.

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​4. Equipment: Contestants are responsible for providing their own equipment. 

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5. Display Board: 

    a. One board per entry: Each qualifying entry requires a separate display board. 

    b. Relevance: Ensure the display board content is directly related to the competition. 

    c. Shared Items: Demonstration items may be transferred between displays if necessary. 

    d. Power and Tables: The NAACP ACT-SO Program will provide electrical power and display tables upon request. 

    e. Acceptable display boards include trifold, Penta fold, and foam core. Poster boards are not permitted. 

 

6. Contestants must submit a STEM Verification Form from a qualified scientist or science teacher. 

     a. Qualified scientist or science teacher must have an earned professional degree or license.

     b. This person can also serve as a coach, guiding the student throughout the research process. 

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S.T.E.M. Projects will be judged by the following criteria:

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• Quality of Research 

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          Scientific Approach/Method (20 pts.).

          Validity of Information (10 pts.)

          Validity of Conclusion(s) (10 pts.)

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• Depth of Understanding / Oral Presentation

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           Knowledge Gained and Creativity (20 pts.)

           Thoroughness & Individual Work (20 pts.)

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• Written Report

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     Clarity and Organization (10 pts.)

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• Visual Presentation

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    Effectiveness of Display (10 pts.)

Tips for Biology/Microbiology Contestants


Start Early: Begin your research well in advance to allow ample time for experimentation, data analysis, and report writing.


Choosing a Fascinating Topic: Select a subject that genuinely interests you to maintain enthusiasm throughout the project.


Master Your Material: Thoroughly understand your research to answer questions confidently during the oral presentation.


Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to improve delivery and timing.


Engage Your Audience: Use clear and concise language, visual aids, and storytelling techniques to captivate your audience.


Anticipate Questions: Consider potential questions and prepare thoughtful responses.


Seek Feedback: Consult with your mentor or teacher to receive constructive criticism and improve your project.


Stay Organized: Keep meticulous records of your experiments, data, and observations.


Be Creative: Use innovative approaches to present your findings and stand out from the competition.


Have Fun: Enjoy the process of learning and discovery!

ACT-SO SAFETY PROCEDURES 

 

In order to ensure a safe environment for our contestants, we request that you carefully review the NAACP ACT-SO Safety Procedures listed below.

 

The NAACP ACT-SO Program prohibits the use of the following materials for display:

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• Living organisms (ex: plants, animals, and microbes)

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• Dried plant materials • Taxidermy specimens or parts

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• Human or animal foods

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• Human/animal parts or bodily fluids (e.g. blood, urine. Note: dried animal bones, histological dry mount sections, wet      mount tissue slides, teeth, hair, and nails are acceptable)

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• Soil or waste samples

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• Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals (inclusive of embryos)

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• Laboratory chemicals, including water

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• Dry ice or other sublimating solids (i.e. solids which vaporize to a gas without passing through a liquid phase

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• Poisons, drugs, controlled substance, hazardous substances or devices (i.e. firearms, ammunition, or reloading devices)

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• Sharp items (syringes, needles, or pipettes)

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• Flames or highly flammable display materials which vaporize to a gas without passing through a liquid phase

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• Batteries with open top cells Contestants are advised to use photographs and other visuals for presentation.

 

Due to the potential for serious harm to the contestants and others, any project that displays any of the above items at the National ACT-SO Competition will be disqualified.

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