Everything you need to know about the
Jr. Science and Humanities Symposium

The MN Academy of Science JSHS is a yearly event for Senior high students who have previously presented their paper, and won, at a regional Minnesota Fair. Regional Paper winners are invited to compete at the JSHS to win an opportunity to advance to national competition.

JSHS takes place in conjunction with the annual MN State Science Fair.

Parents, siblings, teacher, and coaches are invited to attend the JSHS and participate in its events. A separate registration package is available for observers wishing to attend JSHS.

Registration
Registration for student presenters, family, and teachers/coaches is done completely online. As part of the registration process, presenters will email MAS an electronic copy of their abstract. Abstracts will be available online for all attendees to search, view and print online.

Deadlines
Presenters must register for the JSHS within 10 business days of winning their regional Fair; late registration will incur additional fees (these deadlines vary depending on Regional Fair dates).
  • 3/20/2009 -
    		• Family and friends must be registered by this date. No registrations will be accepted after EventLink.
  • 3/20/2009 -
    		• All payments and release forms must be in the MAS office by this date. Incomplete registrations may be cancelled after this date.
    As part of the Registration process, you will receive information about how to check the current status of your registration. It is your responsibility to check your registration, and anyone registered with you, to ensure that all information has been submitted.

    JSHS Schedules
    Schedules will be posted online. Last minute changes may occur, so we ask that you check the online version before leaving for the event. Check current JSHS schedules by Clicking Here.

    Hotel
    Presenters are not required to stay in the hotel during the event, though it is recommended. Students who are staying at the hotel should have a chaperone staying with them. You must make your own hotel reservations. We have negotiated a discounted rate for your stay.

    Clothing
    When you are presenting, dress professionally. Ladies should wear skirts or nice slacks, with a blouse or sweater. Gentlemen should wear slacks and dress shirts. Ties or suit coats look sharp but are not required. Sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts are never appropriate when presenting. Appearances matter, but the most important part of your appearance is your attitude: smile at the judges and introduce yourself; explain why you are interested in the research you have done; thank the judges for their time when you are finished. Wear your presentation clothes when you rehearse your presentation so you feel comfortable in them.

    Awards Ceremonies - dress nicely. Winners will be having their photos taken - think about how you want to appear on the website and in future MAS publications.

    Social Time - dress comfortably. Be yourself.

    Oral Presentation Guidelines
    You must bring 6-10 copies of your Abstract to hand out to judges. Also bring
    copies of all your registration forms/information with you to the Symposium.
    • PRESENTATION LENGTH - You will have 12 minutes for your presentation, followed by 6 minutes for questions from the judges. The room moderator will signal you when you have one minute left and stop you at the end of 12 minutes.

    • CALLBACKS - Some students will be called back for an additional 8 minute presentation and a 5 minute Q & A. Call backs are all presented in front of the same judges, who determine final rankings.

    • Aids to presentation. No written handouts, other than Abstracts are permitted. Research apparatus may be used if it is integral to the presentation and only if it is hand-held.

    • You are the expert. No one in the audience knows as much about your research investigation as you. Therefore, remember to explain your research in enough detail so the audience will understand what you did, how you did it, and what you learned.

    • Whenever possible, avoid jargon or unnecessary terminology. If it is essential to use specialized terms, remember to explain the specialized term briefly. Give your audience enough time to understand what you are trying to convey.

    • Graphs, tables and other representation help explain your results. Keep them simple and uncluttered. Focus on important information; for example, remember to name the variables on both axes of a graph, and state the significance of the position and shape of the graph line.

    • Deliver your presentation at a comfortable pace. It helps to practice your presentation before a non-specialized audience. Practice will help you perfect the presentation and the timing. Do listen to the advice of your non-specialized audience but also get help from a teacher or other advisor as needed.

    A screen will be provided, along with an extension cord to plug in your equipment. You must bring your own projector and laptop, and an extension cord if you need multiple plugs.


    What do Parents and Teachers Do?
    There are a few organized social events for parents and teachers, but most of the JSHS is about the kids. Joint events like banquets are open to all registered participants, adult or student. While your student is presenting you can watch their presentation, or you can enjoy the sites in the host city, relax by the hotel pool, bring a good book or try a local restaurant. The kids need a lot of encouragement and support. Plan your free time so you can be there for them in case they need you.

    If you have additional questions about JSHS, you can call our office at 612-605-7223. For help with registering, call our webmasters, Joe and Max, at 612-605-7223 or EMAIL

    Finally, and most importantly
    The Academy needs your cooperation and support to ensure a successful JSHS. If we suggest that you do something, it is to improve your chances of success. If we require you to do something, this reflects the rules set to ensure JSHS competition and judging. You must comply with these rules to compete.

    If you encounter a problem, we will do our best to help you resolve it. But please plan ahead to prevent dramatic consequences. Make a list of things you need to bring to the event, if you are not sure if something will be provided, bring it with you. Bring copies of all of your paperwork, abstracts, and confirmations. Check the final schedules once they are posted so you know when and where you should be.

    The Minnesota Academy of Science has always been proud of the fine character of JSHS participants and the high quality of their research. While advancing to the national JSHS is an exciting opportunity, JSHS is not just about awards. This is a unique educational experience and we believe that all students who participate in JSHS will gain important experiences and achieve personal growth and confidence. We expect that parents and teachers will support their students in making this a positive experience for all participants.

    Your cooperation and support will ensure an enriching experience for everyone.