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Chemistry / Biochemistry ​

 

Description:

The science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of chemical processes and phenomena of substances and the transformation that they undergo.

 

Overview:

Projects in this category could involve physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc. This category also includes the chemistry of life processes such as molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.

Notes for Judges ● This competition is presentation and interview based and requires advanced screening of the contestants' materials in order to adequately interview them on the day of the competition. ● Each contestant will have 10 minutes to present their project and then the judging co-hort will have 5-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 15-20 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. ■ In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements: 

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

 

2. Scientific Paper: 

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

             i. Abstract: Include a 150-250-word abstract at the beginning of the paper summarizing the project's purpose, methods, results, and conclusion.
            ii. Introduction: Background and purpose of the research.
           iii. Experimental Section: Methods and results.
            iv. Conclusion: Discussion of results and implications

 

Note: Email paper to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com Deadline: March 10, 2027

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

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     c. Identification: Each page must include: 

              i. Student's name

             ii. Page number

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

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

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     e. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your 
presentation.
 

f. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application

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Oral Presentation 

       

3. Presentation Time: Deliver a minimum 8 - 10 - Minutes oral presentation.

  • Exceeding this time limit may result in point deductions or disqualification. 

  • 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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Required Submissions
• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Written Project (PDF) → First_Last_WP
• Reference Photo (PDF) → First_Last_RP
 

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.
 

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).
 

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

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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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20 Points: Scientific Approach/Method

10 Points: Validity of Information

10 Points: Validity of Conclusion(s) 

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• Depth of Understanding / Oral Presentation

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20 Points: Knowledge Gained and Creativity 

20 Points: Thoroughness & Individual Work 

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• Written Report

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10 Points: Clarity and Organization 

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• Visual Presentation

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10 Points: Effectiveness of Display 

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100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec

For every 15 seconds the presentation exceeds the allotted time limit (10 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted.

Tips for Chemistry/Biochemistry 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!

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