Typing Specifications

The Paper

• All papers must be typed (word processed), using no smaller than standard 10 or 12-point typeface such as Times, Times New Roman or Arial.
• Output to PDF and email OR print on InkJet or LaserJet printers.
• Papers must be printed single-sided on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper with one-inch margins (on all sides).
• The paper should be a minimum of 5-6 pages and a maximum of 20 pages, including appendices.
• The title page shows the, the student's name, school name and address, the title of the research, grade in school, and the category of the research.
• Each section of the paper should be identified by a heading, centered within the page margins, and typed using the same typeface and font size as text. All letters are capitalized.
• Use abbreviations sparingly, but if a very long name or term is repeated throughout the paper, an abbreviation is acceptable.
• Abbreviations should be defined the first time they appear in text by placing the abbreviation in parentheses following the spelled-out word. For example, No molecule with a single 4-member ring was isolated until tetramesityl cyclodisiloxane (TMCDS) obtained by oxidation of disilene. TMCDS was...

Tables

Use tables to show large amounts of data (usually numbers) in a small space. If exact values must be listed, a table is normally preferred over a graph.

• Put table number and title above the table. The word "table" should be all caps (TABLE 3. Results of...) Tables should be numbered with Arabic numerals (in the order of appearance in text). Numbering will enable the writer to refer to them quite easily. (Table 3 shows that...).
• Place columns to be compared next to each other, if possible.
• Clearly, but concisely, label each column with a column heading. Abbreviations may be used, but do not use periods. Capitalize first words in column headings.
• Include units of measure in the headings, e.g., Yield (kg/ha) or Mass (g), if appropriate.
• Horizontal rules, or lines, may be used. Vertical rules are normally not used.
• Use single spacing for data and headings. In some instances, you may want to use wide space (extra line) to separate groups of data.
• Numbers in each column should be right aligned. If decimal points are used, the numbers should be aligned on the decimal point.
• Use a zero before the decimal point (0.250).
• Use notes for more extensive explanation of data or headings. Notes are placed below the table and referenced by superscript letters.
• Order the notes to a table in the following sequence:

1. General notes provide information relating to the table as a whole; place the letter reference at the end of the title.
2. Column (row) notes refer to a particular column (row); place the letter reference at the end of column (row) heading
3. Individual notes refer to an individual entry
4. Probability level notes indicate the results of tests of significance

• Tables may, but do not have to, be on pages separate from the text.

Figures

Figures may be in black and white or in full color. If paper copies are sent to us, please provide a PDF of the pages which contain color. If any reproduction is needed, it will be in black and white. Patterns of lines or dots (hash patterns) should be used to prevent ambiguity. If color is integral to the research, a request for an exception should be made to the Fair Director.

• Figures should be numbered with Arabic numerals and are numbered separately from tables (FIGURE 5. The relationship...).
• Most figures require an explanation for the reader in the form of a caption or legend. The figure caption or legend is placed below the figure.
• A caption is a title or headline; a caption is never a grammatically complete sentence. The caption should be brief but descriptive. For example, FIGURE 1. Autoradiograph of two-dimensional non-equilibrium gel blot of DC 430.
• A legend is an explanation consisting of one or more sentences. (This legend is different from a map legend, which is a key to the symbols.) Sometimes a caption and legend are combined. For example, FIGURE 1. Autoradiographs of a dot blot containing single-stranded DNA from M13 subclones of pHIL8. Each column of the blot contains a single subclone, to which the radiolabeled pool of probes was hybridized. The upper panel shows an autoradiograph of the results from a room temperature wash, whereas the lower panel shows the results from a 45 degree C wash. Note the specific binding of probe to the M13 subclone in column eight.
• Figures may, but do not have to, be on pages separate from the text. Place them as near as possible to the discussion in the text, rather than at the end of the paper.

Bar Graphs

Bar graphs are appropriate for showing discrete values and comparisons. They emphasize individual amounts rather than trends or direction. They have the most impact when used to display relatively few values.

• Arrange bars in a logical sequence.
• All bars should have the same width.
• The distance between bars should be different from the bar width.
• Shade the bars to set them apart from the white background.
• Label each scale line. Include zero line for accurate representation if appropriate.
• Use horizontal bars to compare magnitude of categories with descriptive labels.
• Use vertical bars to compare magnitudes of a variable over time or another systematically changing variable.

Line Graphs

Line graphs are used to show trends and relationships. They allow plotting values of a quantity as a function of another variable. The horizontal axis most often depicts time.

• The independent variable is plotted on the horizontal (x) axis, and the dependent variable is plotted on the vertical (y) axis.
• The presentation of data on the horizontal and vertical axes should be orderly (small to large).
• The choice of scale units should be correctly proportioned (comparable units of measurement) because it influences the slope of the lines.
• You should normally limit the number of lines on a graph to three or four.
• Plan line weights carefully for greatest legibility. Make curves prominent. Construct axes and grid lines so they are clearly visible but relatively inconspicuous.
• The most common symbols for distinguishing lines from each other are open circles, triangles, and squares. Note: different types of lines can also be used (solid or dashed), but do not use both different lines and symbols.

Pie Graphs

Pie graphs are 100-percent graphs and are used to show percentage distribution of parts of the whole. Pie graphs are intended to provide an overview rather than exact values.

• Limit the number of segments to five or six.
• Order the segments from largest to smallest, beginning at twelve o'clock and moving to the right.
• Identify each segment with a label.
• Keep labels in segments, if possible, and keep labels horizontal.

Abstract Form

Enter your abstract directly on the JSHS Abstract Form. Your abstract will be published and distributed at the Symposium from this form. The submitted abstracts are not edited; therefore, you should carefully review and edit your abstract.

• Submit your abstract on the JSHS Abstract Form. Do not use forms from other competitions.
• Abstracts must be in typewritten form, using standard 12-point and non-proportional style, serif typeface, and single-spaced.
• Word processed or typed forms are required.
• Type your name in mixed case (upper and lower) with last name first, e.g., Parker, Jack.
• Type your title in ALL capital letters.
• Type within the boxed area only.
• Make sure the abstract is clearly and concisely written, and correct in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and typing.
• Type genus and species, if applicable, in italics or underlined.
• Leave a blank line between the title and body of the abstract.
• You may cut and paste your abstract to fit into the box on the form, but only submit the photocopied forms.