One of the main goals of STANYS is to encourage the participation among students and inspire them to follow their scientific pursuits and interests. STANYS helps by providing teachers with resources, including proven lesson plans, to engage students and a forum for science educators to discuss activities and other things that work for them. In addition, we encourage students to take advantage of excellent STANYS supported programs, including the New York State Science Congress, New York State Science Honor Society, and STANYS Foundation Grants.

NYS Science Congress

CONTACT: Peter Plumley, Chair (sciencecongress@stanys.org)

The STANYS New York State Science Congress was established in 1950 as a means to stimulate interest and proficiency in the sciences. Regional science fairs were encouraged in STANYS Sections across the State, and a number of Sections have continued this tradition to today. Students with outstanding projects are selected to participate in the state level event held at a host institution in late May or early June. The event is organized by a Section for two or more years and is then passed on to volunteers from another Section.

The students present their research orally to judges, community observers, and other students in a lecture format. They are judged on the quality of their work, as revealed by their written and oral presentations. Recognition is earned as Highest Honors, High Honors, Honors, and Honorable Mention.

The state competition is open to grades 6-12 and is conducted in a friendly atmosphere and is part of a congenial weekend in which the participants have an opportunity to meet and socialize with other teenagers of similar interests.