If you’re a motivated high school student looking to combine STEM and innovation (and gain competitive experience in STEM), Chemagination could be an solid competition to test your academic knowledge and entrepreneurial skills! 

It can teach you important problem-solving and critical thinking skills, improving your ability to think outside the box and be creative. Competitions reflect a commitment to learning and innovation, which college admissions highly value.

If this sounds interesting, keep reading to learn more and get tips on how to win the competition! 

What is Chemagination?

Chemagination is a competition for high school students that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship. For this event, high school students imagine that they are living 25 years in the future and have been invited to write an article for ChemMatters, a magazine for high school students focusing on the role of chemistry in everyday life. They are also asked to design the magazine cover. The article’s subject is: “Describe a recent breakthrough or innovation in chemistry (and/or its applications) that has improved the quality of people’s lives today.” The article must be written to fit into one of four categories: Alternative Energy, Environment, Medicine/Health, or New Materials.

Is Chemagination prestigious? 

Yes, Chemagination is a moderately prestigious competition. It is organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the world's largest and most respected scientific organizations, and attracts top high school students passionate about chemistry and innovation. The competition's emphasis on futuristic thinking and practical applications of chemistry makes it a unique achievement that stands out on college applications and resumes.

Last year, 15 teams competed. These teams qualified after placing first in the ACS Local Sections’ Chemagination competitions. Then, only the top two winners in the four categories receive awards. This extensive participation underscores the contest's competitiveness.

How is Chemagination structured? 

Chemagination is structured to inspire creativity and scientific thought among high school students, encouraging them to envision the future of chemistry. Participants are required to create a magazine article set 25 years in the future, describing a hypothetical breakthrough in chemistry. This article should be aimed at a general audience and include a cover page that visually represents the magazine issue featuring the article. The article must fall into one of the following categories:

• New Materials

• Medicine/Healthcare

• Biotechnology

• Environment

• 
  

Here’s a breakdown of how the competition is run:

Chemagination typically begins with regional or local competitions, organized by ACS local sections. Winners from these local contests may advance to a national competition, depending on the structure set by the ACS and the number of participants. Teams can consist of one to three students. Each team must have an adult mentor or teacher to guide them. Their entries are judged based on creativity, scientific accuracy, clarity of writing, and the overall impact of the article and cover page. Judges look for well-researched, imaginative solutions to real-world problems that are presented in an engaging and accessible manner.

The competition is usually held annually, with local contests often held in the spring. Specific dates vary by region, so confirm the exact schedule with your local ACS chapter. Participants typically submit their articles and cover pages to their local ACS chapter by the specified deadline. 

Winners are recognized at both the local and national levels. Awards can include certificates, medals, scholarships, and opportunities to present their work at ACS meetings or other scientific forums. 

What Did Previous Years’ Winners Write About?

Articles by previous years’ winners and finalists have covered topics like harvesting power from hurricanes, creating eco-friendly adhesives, toys made from bamboo, thermonuclear energy, carbon sequestration, and much more. You can find the winning the entire list of winning entries here.

Who is eligible for Chemagination? How can I apply? 

To participate, you must be a student in grades nine through 12, and you can participate individually or in teams of up to three members. Each team must have an adult mentor or teacher guiding them throughout the competition.

If you want to join the competition, the first step is to locate your nearest American Chemical Society (ACS) local chapter. The Princeton ACS chapter, for instance, organizes the competition for students in its area. Information can be found on the Princeton ACS website. Registration details are typically available on the local ACS chapter’s website. Registration may involve filling out an online form or submitting an application packet by mail or email. Be sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines for your region.

Next, you choose a category for your submission — New Materials, Medicine/Healthcare, Biotechnology, or Environment — and begin brainstorming ideas for a futuristic innovation in that area. Afterward, research and write your magazine article. Create a compelling cover page visually representing your magazine issue and the innovation described in the article. Make sure to follow the competition guidelines regarding format and content. Submit your completed article and cover page to your local ACS chapter by the specified deadline.

If your entry advances to further rounds, you might be asked to present your work to a panel of judges. Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your innovation in detail.

How much does it cost to join Chemagination?

There is no registration fee to be a part of Chemagination, so anyone should be able to submit their entries! 

8 Tips to Help You Win Chemagination

Now that we understand more about this contest, let’s dive into how you best ensure success:

1. Research past winners

Reviewing past winning entries can provide valuable insights into what judges look for. Analyze the topics, structure, and presentation style of winning submissions to understand the expected level of creativity and scientific accuracy. Pay attention to how past winners integrate scientific research with imaginative storytelling. This can help you gauge the competition and inspire your own innovative ideas.

2. Choose a relevant and interesting topic

Select a topic that is interesting and addresses a significant future challenge. Look into current trends and breakthroughs in chemistry to identify areas with innovation potential, and ensure your topic aligns with one of the four competition categories. A well-chosen topic can make your article more compelling and impactful.

3. Develop a clear narrative

Your article should tell a captivating story about your future innovation. Start with a strong introduction that hooks the reader and clearly outlines the problem your innovation addresses. Use a logical flow to explain how your innovation works and its potential impact. A clear, engaging narrative makes your scientific concepts more accessible and memorable.

4. Incorporate accurate scientific research

Base your futuristic innovation on sound scientific principles and current research. Use credible sources to back up your claims and ensure your article is scientifically accurate. This not only enhances the credibility of your work but also demonstrates your understanding of the subject. Judges appreciate well-researched, plausible innovations that reflect a solid grasp of chemistry.

5. Create a compelling cover page

Design a visually appealing cover page that represents your innovation effectively. Use high-quality graphics, illustrations, and design elements to draw attention. The cover page should complement your article and provide a visual summary of your innovation. A strong cover page can significantly impact the judges' first impressions.

6. Collaborate effectively with your team

If you're working in a team, ensure that all members contribute their strengths to the project. Divide tasks based on individual skills and maintain open communication throughout the process. Regularly review each other's work and provide constructive feedback to improve the overall quality. Effective collaboration can lead to a more cohesive and polished final product.

7. Seek feedback from mentors and peers

Before submitting your entry, ask your teachers, mentors, or knowledgeable peers for feedback. Constructive criticism can be crucial to help you identify areas for improvement and refine your work. Incorporate their suggestions to enhance the clarity, accuracy, and impact of your article and cover page. External feedback is invaluable for producing a well-rounded submission.

8. Practice your presentation skills

If your entry advances to the final round, you could present your work to a panel of judges. Practice explaining your innovation clearly and confidently. Prepare to answer questions and discuss the scientific principles behind your innovation. Strong presentation skills can help you effectively communicate your ideas and leave a lasting impression on the judges.

Our Thoughts on the Competition

Participating in Chemagination by the American Chemical Society is a sound opportunity for high school students to showcase their creativity and scientific skills. The competition involves creating a futuristic magazine article, offering a platform to explore innovative solutions in chemistry. With minimal costs and extensive resources available, students can enhance their college applications and gain valuable experience. You can research past winners, choose a relevant topic, and collaborate with your peers to significantly improve your chances of success in this unique and exciting competition.

One other option – the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.