1. Science fair process
A Basic Guide to Entering a Project at the Southern Minnesota Regional Science and Engineering Fair

2. Coming up with an idea
For some the hardest part of doing a science fair project is coming up with an idea
Here are some guidelines
What do you find interesting?
Was there ever a question your teacher/parent didn’t know the answer?
Do you encounter problems that could be fixed or improved by a machine?
Ask an Expert in the field

3. Examples What do you find interesting?
Student who was interested in engines won a trip to ISEF by working with biofuels in a diesel engine in his garage
Questions that cannot be answered
There was a student who wondered “Why can’t you use fresh pineapple in
Jell-O?” Ended up making a procedure that allowed him to use fresh pineapple.
Fixing a Problem
One year a student found out that people with disabilities have to pay large amounts of money for interfacing with a computer. Built a new mouse that was cheap and hands free.
Ask an Expert
One student found an interesting project talking to a microbiologist about milk

4. Now you have an idea
Form either a research question or an engineering goal
Design an experiment that answers
Judge Tip: Avoid ‘Classic’ Experiments. Judges love seeing originality in projects

5. What type of project is it
Scientific Method
Engineering Process
Most Common Project
Answers a question
Design an experiment
Design/make a prototype
Set Goals

6. Research Plan Need to make a research plan It should include
Rationale – What is the motivation for this project
Hypothesis / Engineering Goals
Detailed Explanation of your experiment
Bibliography

7. Research Plan (Continued)
Advise
Learn to do your bibliography in MLA format
Have someone proof read the plan
Readability
Experiment Design
Do they understand what you are doing?

8. THE SRC
Our fair is affiliated with the Society for Science and the Public (SSP), the folks who run the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
We follow rules set forth by SSP.
The body that enforces these rules and protocols is called the Scientific Research Committee or as it is commonly called, SRC.

9. Duties of the src Assess the safety of the student
Assess the ethical considerations of a project
Determine if a project adheres to the rules set forth by SSP
Check forms for completion and accuracy

10. SRC Forms
Everyone needs to fill out the basic forms to come compete at the science fair.
Here is a link to all forms and rules on the SSP website.
SRC FORMS
Everyone needs
Form 1
Form 1A + Research Plan
Form 1B
Form 3 – New in 2017

15. Advice for filling out forms
Answer every question completely
Complete sentences are always appreciated
Don’t leave any information blank
Check that your dates are before the start of the experiment
Remember the SRC reads everything you put, please take time to keep things legible and clear

16. Projects needing approval
Some projects need approval before you begin the experiment
Any project that involves humans (outside the research team)
Surveys, Opinions, Participation
Any project that uses animals
Pets, farm animals included
Any project that uses Potential Hazardous Biological Agents
Microorganisms, Animal/Human Tissues
Not having prior approval can cause a project to fail-to-qualify
Submit to science fair office and we will approve it ASAP for you

17. SRC Last Thoughts
There are some infractions that immediately disqualify you
Growing microorganisms at home
Includes letting food get moldy
Working with a pathogen that is considered Biosafety Level 3 or 4
Also working with a Biosafety Level 2 organism in a lab only certified as a BSL-1
Causing distress to animals or humans
Not getting approval for the projects that require it
By submitting a thorough research plan and correct paperwork, the local SRC can help you avoid these pitfalls and even give feed back on the experiment itself

18. SRC Help Feel free to ask the SRC any question you have
We would rather spend 20 minutes now than hours later

19. Do your experiment
Make sure any part that needs supervision has supervision
If you decide to change something mid-way through see if the change would alter which forms are needed.
Judge Tip: Do as much as you can independently, take pictures and keep a notebook

20. Data Analysis
Be sure to process any data and make appropriate conclusions
Look for sources of error
Judge Tip: Three Trials is not enough
Judge Tip: Some judges are very impressed with good data analysis

21. Abstract
Once you are finished with your science project, you will need to write an abstract
An abstract is a 250 words or fewer
An ideal abstract should contain a hypothesis/goals, experiment design, results and conclusion

22. Paper Competition We also host a paper competition
Submit a complete paper that goes through the project from beginning to end with references, background information etc.
You submit your paper for judging before the fair begins
We invite the top 30 papers to come present their research (usually a PowerPoint) to our judges.
Winners advance to state JSHS

23. Register for the Science Fair
You will need to go to and register to compete in the fair.
The cost is
$20 per person for a project only
$20 per person for a paper only
$30 per person for both a project and paper
Registration opens December 1st and closes January 20th, 2017
Papers for the paper competition are also due on the 20th.

24. Submitting your src forms
On February 1st, SRC forms are due to the fair.
PLEASE KEEP THE ORIGINALS AND SEND US COPIES
Hard Copies preferred, if electronic copy is sent please check for readability
All are initially screened upon receiving and then put into a pile for review by the SRC
We will communicate with the student, parent, and adult sponser/teacher if there are any errors that need correcting
We will also let you know once your paper work has passed the SRC

25. Make a poster board
Perhaps the last task is making the board to present to the judges
Most students use the tri-fold board but it is not required
Every images should have credit, and if you have pictures of people you should have permission from those people
There are some display rules while at the fair
Judge Tip: Well laid out display boards are nice but no substitute for a knowledgeable student. Do not read off the board

26. Display Rules You need your abstract somewhere in your presentation
On your board
On Display
You can bring visual aids but we do not allow
Liquids
Glass
Flammables
Animals
Plants
Sharp Objects

27. Day of the fair February 18th, 2017 Setup by 8:45am
Display and Safety inspector will be walking around from 8 until everyone is through
While they are there to enforce display rules, they are there to help you too. They won’t disqualify you
Judges starts at 9:00am and go until noon.
Paper judging goes from noon until 2:00
Award ceremony at 3:00

28. Prizes Our fair gives out special awards, most of which have prizes.
In 2016 we gave out approximately $3,000 in prizes
We also give out trips and advancements the day of the fair

29. Advancing to State
Those who win a white ribbon will be eligible to advance to state This year state is March 25th to March 27th at the Marriott Hotel in Minneapolis More prizes, weekend in cities, meet new kids in science, meet scientists in the field

30. International science and engineering fair
ISEF allows us to directly promote so many projects each year
Winners receive a completely paid trip to Los Angeles, CA for a week to compete in the worlds largest science and engineering fair
Meet Noble Laureates, Explore the city, Intel Technology, and more!

31. Final Words
Remember we at the Science Fair Office are here to support you in any way we can
SRC Forms help
Project Suggestions/Improvements
General Questions
Contact us by through or call us at
Thanks!