Rules

Intel International Science & Engineering Fair

Check out the Intel ISEF

(Intel ISEF) RULES ON THE WEB

www.societyforscience.org/isef/primer/rules.asp

As an Intel ISEF affiliated fair the SSTFI follows all rules and guidelines as outlined in the Intel ISEF rules and forms with the ability to include other rules and guidelines as the SSTFI Board of Directors approves for this fair.

The following are links to information provided on the Intel ISEF website.

International Rules and Guidelines

  • Full text Rules and Forms both in html & downloadable formats.

Intel ISEF Rules Wizard

  • Asks a series of questions about planned project & provides list of needed forms

Overview for Forms & Dates

  • Lists each form & provides explanation of the form’s purpose
  • Also lists when form needs to be completed in science project process

Common SRC Problems

  • Read these for pointers on what NOT to do!

Intel ISEF Rule Booklet (downloadable in Adobe Reader)

PLEASE use this valuable service provided by Science Service.

General Rules & Guidelines

Rule Changes for 2007-2008

TEACHERS PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY!

Human Subjects

  • There is a clarification of the rules involving product testing.

Vertebrate Animals

  • There is a clarification of the definition of vertebrate animal studies that may be conducted at non-regulated research sites.

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents

  • Naturally occurring plant pathogens may be studied (not cultured) at home, but may not be introduced into a home/garden environment.
  • The following has been added to the list of studies exempt from prior SRC review:
    • Studies involving lactobacillus, bacillus thuringensis, nitrogen-fixing, oil-eating bacteria and algae-eating bacteria introduced into their natural environment. (Not exempt if cultured in a Petri dish environment that could potentially be contaminated).

Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices

  • Production of ethyl alcohol is allowable in the home under the supervision of the parents and must meet the TTB home production regulations.

Form Changes

  • Student Checklist (1A) and Student Checklist (1A) – TEAM have been combined into one form, Student Checklist (1A).
  • An additional box has been added to Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form (6A) to document required letter from institutions that do not have a review process for this type of study.
  •  In addition to providing the rules of competition, these rules and guidelines for conducting research were developed to facilitate the following:
    • Protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher and human subjects
    • Protect the health and well-being of vertebrate animal subjects
    • Follow federal regulations governing research
    • Offer guidance to other science fairs
    • Use safe laboratory practices
    • Address environmental concerns

Project Rules & Guidelines:

  • All students competing in the SSTFI must adhere to all of the rules as set forth in this document.
  • Projects that are demonstrations, ‘library' research or informational projects, ‘explanation' models or kit building are not appropriate for the SSTFI.
  • A research project may be a part of a larger study done by professional scientists, but the project presented by the student may only be their portion of the complete study.
  • Before experimentation begins, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Scientific Review Committee (SRC) must review and approve all projects involving: human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents and hazardous chemicals, activities or devices.
  • A Qualified Scientist is required for all studies involving BSL-2 potentially hazardous biological agents, DEA-controlled substances, more than minimal risk in human subjects and for most vertebrate animal studies.
  • Each student or team must submit a (maximum) 250-word, one-page abstract which summarizes the current year's work. The abstract must describe research conducted by the student, not by adult supervisors.
  • A project data book and research paper are not required, but are recommended.
  • All signed forms, certifications, and permits must be available for review by an SRC just before each fair a student enters.
  • After initial IRB/SRC approval (if required), any proposed changes in the Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan of the project must repeat the approval process before laboratory experimentation/data collection resumes.
  • Projects which are continuations of previous year's work and which require IRB/SRC approval must be reapproved prior experimentation/data collection for the current year.
  • Any continuing project must document that the additional research is new and different. See Continuation Projects Form (7).
  • If work was conducted in an institutional or industrial setting any time during the current ISEF project year, Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) must be completed.
  • Projects must adhere to local, state, and U.S. Federal laws and regulations.
  • All projects must adhere to the Ethics Statement above.
  • All SSTFI exhibits must adhere to the SSTFI and Intel ISEF display and safety requirements.
  • Introduction or disposal of foreign or non-native substances or species, toxic chemicals or pathogenic substances into the environment is prohibited.
  • It is the student's responsibility to check with the SSTFI Fair Director or SSTFI Scientific Review Committee Chairperson if they have any questions or concerns regarding these rules, restrictions and guidelines as they relate to their project.

Size Limitations

  • Project displays must conform to the following maximum size limitations:
    • 76 cm (30 in or 2.5 ft) deep
    • 122 cm (48 in or 4 ft) wide
    • 274 cm (108 in or 9 ft) high-from floor to top of project (including table) 
      • Tables provided will not exceed a height of 91 cm (36 in or 3 ft)
  • Backboards are not provided at the SSTFI
  • Display area consists of a covered table or floor space as requested on the entry form.
  • Maximum project sizes include ALL project materials and supports. If a student brings a free-standing (or floor) project, the table or support used for that project becomes part of the project and must not itself exceed the allowed dimensions nor may the table plus any part of the project exceed the allowed dimensions.
  • Electricity may be requested. A $15 fee per outlet is required.

State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa Disclaimer: State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa projects and participants are required to follow the rules, guidelines, SRC procedure, and size limitations of the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa which follows all rules, guidelines, SRC procedure, and size limitations of the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. These rules, guidelines, SRC procedure, and size limitations serve to promote the ethical principles of scientific research; insure the safety of participants, officials and guests; and to maintain the fair as a properly maintained and organized science fair according to international standards. A breech of these rules, guidelines, SRC procedure, and size limitation will DISQUALIFY the project from PARTICIPATION.