2008 Central Regional Science Fair Official Rules
1. Schools must submit an online INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM and $10.00 entry fee per project by February 9, 2008. The increase in student fees is needed to cover the rising cost of expenses for the Central Regional Science Fair. This form is necessary although the participants may not have yet been selected. Checks are to be made payable to Central Regional Science Fair and mailed to:
The Central Regional Science Fair,
The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences,
PO Box 12137, 6 Davis Drive,
Research Triangle Park N.C. 27709-2137.
2. Completed OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM must be submitted online by the School Official only (teacher or principal). In case of Home Schoolers the form must be submitted by Home School Science Fair Coordinator only. The OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM must be submitted online by February 15, 2008.
ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE PROPER ISEF FORMS AT THE REGISTRATION DESK ON THE DAY OF THE FAIR:
The forms may be downloaded from the website.
3. A public school system may sponsor projects that qualify by winning in the system-wide fair (where 3 or more schools compete in a division). Public school systems may enter:
Elementary School (Elementary Division) 9 projects
Middle School (Junior Division) 12 projects (3 Biological, 3 Physical, 3 Earth, 3 Technological)
High School (Senior Division) 12 projects (3 Biological, 3 Physical, 3 Earth, 3 Technological)
If the public school system is sponsoring projects, then an individual public school in that system will NOT be allowed to become a separate project sponsor.
4. An individual public school will be allowed to submit individual projects if they are not competing at the system level. Maximum numbers of entries are:
Elementary Schools (Elementary Division)-3 projects
Middle School (Junior Division)-4 projects (1 Biological, 1 Physical, 1 Earth, 1 Technological)
High School (Senior Division)-4 Projects (1 Biological, 1 Physical, 1 Earth, 1 Technological)
High School (Senior Division)-3 Team Projects (only one per category)
Only one project per category may be submitted. For example a high school may not submit two Biological Science Projects.
This total number of entries includes individual and /or team projects. For example, a middle school may submit one team project and 3 individual projects for that school.
5. Home School & Private Schools - Any individual non-public school in the Region is eligible to enter no more than 3 projects in the Elementary Division and no more than 4 projects at the Junior Division and no more than 4 projects at the Senior Division.(maximum 1 per category of Biological, Earth, Physical, Technological). If 3 or more individual non-public schools compete in a non-public consortium, they may enter:
3 projects in the Elementary Division,
4 in the Junior Division (1 Biological, 1 Physical, 1 Earth, 1 Technological) and
4 in the Senior Division (1 Biological, 1 Physical, 1 Earth, 1 Technological)
3 Team Projects in the Senior Division (1 Biological, 1 Physical, 1 Earth, 1 Technological)
Home Schooled students must be selected winners of a group home school student science fair. The application must be submitted by the coordinator of that science fair.
Only one project per category may be submitted. For example a high school may not submit two Biological Science Projects.
This total number of entries includes individual and /or team projects. For example, a middle school may submit one team project and 3 individual projects for that school.
6. Only students enrolled in grades 3, 4, or 5 may compete in the Elementary Division.
Only students in grades 6, 7, or 8 may compete in the Junior Division.
Only students in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 may compete in the Senior Division.
Only one project per category may be submitted. For example a high school may not submit two Biological Science Projects.
7. Individuals assume all liability and responsibility for items associated with their exhibit.
8. TEAMS: In the Elementary Division, not more than 3 students may work collaboratively on a submitted project. In the Junior Division, pairs of students may enter a project. In the Senior Division, individual projects will compete for awards in each of the four divisions. These projects must be done by one individual student only. Senior projects done by teams of two students may also compete regardless of subject area and judged in a Senior Team Category.
9. Displays are restricted to space 122 cm(side to side), 61 cm deep (front to back) and 274 cm in height (floor to top). If electricity is needed, this MUST be indicated on the entry form. A 25 foot electrical cord should accompany projects needing electricity.
10. Experimental procedures with animals which involve diets deficient in essential nutrients, discomfort, pain, or death will be disqualified. The State Science Fair Code of Practice on the Use of Animals in Schools will be strictly adhered to. No live or preserved animals should be brought to the fair.
11. Dangerous items associated with the students’ projects are not allowed on the display floor. Dangerous items include, but are not limited to, the following:
- toxic, caustic, flammable, or explosive chemicals
- harmful bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- ionizing radiation
- high voltage/amperage electric equipment or improperly shielded electrical equipment.
12. The Science Fair Director or designee may refuse to accept any entry and/or to exhibit any project for reasons of safety or in the best interest of the fair.
13. Any project that does not follow the Official Rules will be disqualified and the exhibit will not be judged.
14. No gas or running water will be available for exhibits.
15. Exhibitors must bring hardware needed to set up projects such as screwdrivers, hammers, electrical adapters, etc. A 25 foot electrical cord should accompany projects needing electricity.
16. Exhibitors must set up and take down projects during the designated times.
17.Exhibitors must remain with their projects during the interview period until they are excused by the judges or the Regional Science Fair Director.
18. Recognition will be awarded to the top three projects in each category and other projects that deserve honorable mention. Trophies may be awarded as allowed by the science fair budget.
19. The top two winners from each category in all three divisions will be eligible for the State Science Fair.
20. All students who have projects that are eligible for the State Science Fair must complete the appropriate forms on SATURDAY, February 23, 2008 before leaving the Central Regional Science Fair.
21. All decisions of the Regional Science Fair Director(s) and Judges are final.
Rules and Regulations Acknowledgment
Typing your name below in the space provided will be confirmation that you have read and understand tthe rules and regulations regarding the Central Regional Science Fair.