We evaluated strengths and limitations of adapting the Spring 2020 Chemagination competition during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The ACS Local Section offered this novel competition annually since inception in 2002. Because the live judging component at Princeton University historically was a motivating feature, we anticipated that an asynchronous remote format might impact participation and branding of the educational outreach program. Methods: Teams of 2 to 3 high school students created “science pods,” considered beneficial in easing feelings of isolation during new coronavirus-related constraints. Remote assessment of Chem-Matters-style feature articles and magazine cover design was retained. As an alternative to live interviews at a poster competition, judges reviewed student essays reflecting on work process of their team experience, the process of selecting a current world problem to tackle using chemistry, and the timeline of their innovation-to-invention concept. The judging rubric was revised accordingly. Outcome: Participation decreased by almost 30% compared to the competition's peak. Appreciation was enthusiastically expressed to the organizers by schools, noting that consistent delivery of the competition annually conveyed caring and dedication to local science education. Written comments were requested from students and educators during or after the competition. Participants indicated that the competition’s fundamental strengths were retained, including the social aspect of science and the value of teamwork, exercising creative thought, and problem-solving while researching a science idea of their choosing. Judging teams of 2 experts from various science disciplines (ie, chemistry, molecular biology, medicine) considered the absence of direct interaction in asynchronous judging as a limitation for students. Conclusion: We safely transitioned Chemagination from its traditional hybrid project (ie, web searching, writing, live poster judging) to a fully asynchronous experience during the pandemic. Overcoming obstacles with an adjusted playbook proved to be robust for science teams focused on a goal. Participation and feedback confirmed that the competition maintained its educational value, including exercising communication skills about new ideas in science that could solve world problems using chemistry.

Does team competition in science play well as a “non-contact sport”? Experience of the 2020 Chemagination at Princeton

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.