The Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) State Fair is a prestigious competition that showcases the best young scientific minds in Illinois. Winning this event can be a significant achievement for aspiring scientists. This guide will provide you with strategies and tips to maximize your chances of success.

1. Use the Resources from IJAS Website

Competing in science fairs can be overwhelming, especially if this will be your first time. However, it does not have to be! The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences provides helpful videos explaining how to complete certain aspects of your experimental of design project:

General How-To Videos

How-To videos in this category describe aspects of the project that apply to both experimental and design projects, as well as other aspects of the IJAS expositions, like being a runner, judging, and special awards.

For information and guidance, we recommend watching the short how-to videos below!

• Comparison of Design and Experimental
• Background Research and Citations
• Choosing a Topic
• Statistics
• Safety and Endorsements
• Excel and Google Sheets
• Comparison of Paper Session and Poster Session
• Creating a Poster
• Judging: Coming Soon
• Paper Session: Coming Soon
• Special Awards: Coming Soon

Experimental Projects

A complete, written explanation of experimental projects can also be found on pages 13-14 of the Policy and Procedure Manual. Pages 26-27 includes details regarding the physical arrangement of the paper for an experimental project. It is important to note that each project must also include an Abstract, Safety Sheet, and any other endorsements deemed necessary. These documents can be found by following this link.

For information and guidance, we recommend watching the short how-to videos below!

• Purpose
• Hypothesis
• Materials and Procedure
• Conclusion (Experimental)
• Constructing the Report (Experimental)

Design Projects

A complete guide written guide can also be found on page 15 of the Policy and Procedure Manual, which is full of helpful information and a complete list of all the rules and regulations to keep note of when completing your science fair project. Pages 27-28 included details regarding the physical arrangement of the paper for an experimental project. It is important to note that each project must also include an Abstract, Safety Sheet, and any other endorsements deemed necessary. These documents can be found here.

For information on developing a design project, watch these how-to videos below!

• Prototype Redesign
• Conclusion (Design)
• Constructing the Report (Design)

2. Choosing a Strong Research Idea

Select a research topic that you’re genuinely passionate about. Your project should be original, address a real-world problem, and demonstrate your scientific thinking skills.

Think about current global challenges, gaps in existing research, or innovative solutions to common problems. Once you have a rough idea, refine it by conducting thorough background research to ensure your concept is both novel and feasible.

Developing a strong research idea can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! In this video, Rishab will walk you through step by step on how to find a good STEM Project idea:

Play

4. Prepare a Stellar Presentation

Your project presentation is your chance to shine. Prepare a well-organized display board that clearly communicates your research question, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Practice your oral presentation extensively:

• Be clear and concise in your explanations
• Show enthusiasm for your project
• Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers
• Use visual aids effectively

5. Conduct Thorough Research

The backbone of any winning project is solid research. Here’s how to conduct effective research:

• Literature Review: Start with a comprehensive review of existing studies to understand the context and background of your topic.
• Use Reputable Sources: Rely on scientific journals, academic books, and trusted online resources.
• Data Collection: Use reliable and valid methods to gather data. Ensure your data is sufficient to support your conclusions.
• Analysis: Analyze your data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods. Be prepared to explain your analysis clearly.

6. Seek Mentorship

Having a mentor can give you invaluable guidance and insight. A mentor can help you refine your research question, troubleshoot experiments, and prepare your presentation. Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer due to their experience and the advice that comes along with it.

Finding the right mentor is crucial, and that’s why a mentorship program like ScienceFair.io’s A-Z Science Fair Program will help you gain expert guidance to maximize your chances of winning.

Conclusion

Winning the IJAS State Fair requires dedication, thorough research, and effective presentation skills. By following these guidelines and putting in consistent effort, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, the journey of scientific discovery is as valuable as the destination.

Good luck!