The Purpose of the Western New York Science Congress, Inc (1939)
"To enable science students and science teachers of Western New York schools to see what is being accomplished in school and out in the various sciences, through projects and lecture demonstrations.
To encourage science students in the development of science interests and hobbies. To offer an opportunity for public recognition of science talented youth. To encourage further work in the field of science in college and industry."
Novice Division Philosophy (1995)
The Novice Division is established to reintroduce the 5th and 6th Grade students into the Science Congress.
We believe students at this age express a natural curiosity and spontaneity that is the essence of experimentation and discovery. We believe every student has the ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the world around them and should receive the maximum encouragement to continue exploring that world.
Students may participate as individuals or in teams of two (2) students. The number of students or teams per group shall be established at 6 with a maximum of 7.
Students shall present and explain their project to the judges. In turn, the judges shall ask questions and discuss the project with each student or the team members. Group sizes are small to allow more time for students and judges to ask questions and exchange ideas.
The number of medallions awarded in each group shall be a minimum of three (3) and maintain a 50% award ratio for each Novice Group. The award categories shall be: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All awards given shall be determined by the judges.
Beverly Hill & John-Paul Martin
Mission Statement (2004)
WNY Science Congress, Inc is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of science education in grades 5 -12, encompassing the eight counties of Western New York. Our mission is to sponsor an annual science competition in which students demonstrate the scientific method following safety principles and practices.
History
1939 The First Western Zone Science Congress was held at the Buffalo Museum of Science and hosted by the Junior Hobby Club, Buffalo Museum of Science. Congress limited to members of Hobby Club. 1940 2nd Congress 1st Buffalo Salon of Photography (Photograph contest attached to Congress) First Lunch Menu: ("Plate Lunch 25¢, milk, ice cream, etc. 5¢ each. Sandwiches and soup, 10¢ each. Pie 7¢"). 1942 4th Congress- First Radio broadcast interviews on WGR 55 AM and WBEN 930 AM. 1943-46 Congress suspended because of W.W.II. 1947 5th Congress Invitations extended to those who are not members of the Science Clubs of America. Monetary awards, certificates, plaques, and trophies given as prizes. 1948 6th Congress Grand Prize: Merchandise certificate ($5.00) 1949 7th Congress First ever televised presentations by WBEN TV. Post cards used to confirm acceptance of entry of Lecture-Demonstrations. 1952 10th Congress 1st MOTOR building Contest sponsored by Westinghouse Electric Co. 1st POSTER CONTEST started. 1958 16th Congress Visitors time they can view projects limited. Lecture-Demonstrations no fee, individual exhibits 25¢ ea., group exhibits 50¢. 1963 21st Congress Divisions changed from Senior and Junior to Senior, Intermediate, and Junior. 1988 46th Congress Congress begins modernization. 1989 47th Congress Start of Incorporation procedures and Constitution. 1990 48th Congress Beginning of major computerization of entries. 1991 49th Congress Incorporated as the Western New York Science Congress, Inc. Moved to Buffalo State College after 49 years at Museum of Science. 1992 50th Congress 50th anniversary celebration and introduction of 50th logo. Fee raised to $3.00 per entry/student. Novice Division Philosophy adopted. Inauguration of Novice Division allowing 6th grade students to participate since 1950's. 1st medals given for Novice Division. 1993 51st Congress New judging procedures tested. Judges in Novice Division judge with students present. 1994 52nd Congress First time ever that 5th Grade students can compete in Congress Novice Division. Novice Division: 5th and 6th Graders. New modern Constitution adopted. New application form tested. Final adoption of Congress logo. Monetary awards increased substantially for Lecture-Demonstrations in Intermediate and Senior Divisions. Intermediate = half of Senior Division. Teams splits prize money. Congress condensed into single Saturday competition. Divisions standardized to Novice (5/6), Intermediate (7/9), Senior (10/12) 1995 53rd Congress Applications form refined. Teams allowed for first time since 1960's. Size: 3 students max. New Safety Rules written and adopted. Committee formed. Creative Cover Contest revived on trial run. (Revival of Poster Contest) Judging standards and form adopted for 1996. First time Judges judge all Divisions with students present to interact. New and established Judges view judging video. First time public viewing opened during entire Congress including judging since 1958. 1996 54th Congress In progress, Animal usage in Congress criteria being drafted. Group size set at 2 students per Team. Lecture Demonstrators included Safety Rules updated and new booklets printed, Committee established. Group size limit tested at 6 students per group. Lecture-Demonstrations limited to 6 students per group no overall runoffs between groups. Cover Contest reintroduced as part of Congress $25.00 prize per cover. 1997 55th Congress Introduction of new Congress medals for Grades 5-12. First time Lecture-Demonstration students must mail in synopsis of project prior to Congress. Group sizes standardized. Novice (6, max 7), Intermediate & Senior (8, max 9) per group, 2000 58th Congress First website established. wnysciencecongress.org 2007 65th Congress NEW website introduced: [wnysc.org]. Forms available on website. Student exhibit rooms closed to public during judging