Eleven students who placed in the Florida Academy of Science competition last year were invited to present their research on a national scale at the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS). After creating virtual boards, found here, the students traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the conference – as well as the concurrent American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting – and speak to top scientists in several fields.
The conference kicked off March 2, where the students split into two tour groups. The first group visited the National Institute of Standards and Technology and toured federal labs that focused on advancements in laser technology and cryptography, as well as the calculation of a standard physics value. They later toured a net-zero energy house that simulated a four person home. The second group visited George Washington University, where they toured the university’s anthropology, biochemistry and fossil labs and learned about the programs offered to undergraduate and graduate researchers alike.
The next day, students attended the AAAS conference, where they listened to speakers and visited booths. They finished off the day with a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
Finally, March 4, students had the opportunity to eat breakfast with and speak directly with scientists at a Meet the Scientists event. They later explored the DC area before ending the day with a banquet and a speech from Nobel laureate William Phillips.
