Printable Grades 5-8 Science Fair Form

Printable Grades 5-8 Science Fair Form Spanish

University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair

Science Fair Form – Elementary & Junior Division

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Student and Project Information

Team Project: Yes / No
Number of Participants: 1 / 2 / 3

Student Information

Student 1 Grade: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
Student 2 Grade: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
Student 3 Grade: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Student 1 Name
First Name: __________
Last Name: __________

Student 2 Name
First Name: __________
Last Name: __________

Student 3 Name
First Name: __________
Last Name: __________

School: __________
District: __________

Teacher Name: __________
Teacher Email: __________

Project Title: __________________________________________

Important:
A research plan, including materials and methods to be used, must be submitted with this form. If any surveys or informed consent/assent are being used, blank copies must be included.

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Project Category

Select the category that best fits your project:

• Behavioral & Social Science
• Biology, Microbiology & Genetics
• Biomedical Engineering & Health Technologies
• Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Civil & Energy Engineering
• Computer Science & Applied Computational Methods
• Environmental Sciences/Engineering
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mechanical & Materials Engineering
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Physics, Astronomy & Math
• Plant Sciences

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BEFORE Experimentation Begins – Safety & Approval

Certain projects require additional considerations and supervision.
If any restrictions apply, check the appropriate box and obtain required signatures before starting experimentation.

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Human Test Subjects

(Examples: surveys, taste tests, interaction with people)

• Requires Science Teacher AND Psychologist/MD/RN approval
• Written parental consent required for participants under 18
• Copies of surveys/tests must be attached

☐ Check if applicable

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Non-Human Vertebrate Animals

(Examples: fish, rabbits, dogs)

• Lab animals cannot be used at home (except behavioral pet studies)
• Proper care required at all times
• No harmful or lethal experiments permitted

Required Signatures:
Science Teacher + Veterinarian/Biological Scientist

☐ Check if applicable

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Controlled Substances

(Examples: drugs, tobacco, alcohol)

• Must follow all federal, state, and local laws
• Students under 21 cannot handle certain materials

Required Signatures:
Science Teacher + Biomedical/Biological Scientist

☐ Check if applicable

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Hazardous Substances or Devices

(Examples: chemicals, firearms, lasers, radiation)

• Adult supervision required
• Proper safety procedures must be followed

Required Signatures:
Science Teacher + Biomedical/Biological Scientist

☐ Check if applicable

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Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents

(Examples: bacteria, viruses, tissues, blood)

• Only Biosafety Level 1 & 2 allowed in school labs
• Bacteria may NOT be grown at home (no exceptions)
• Must follow strict microbiological safety practices

Required Signatures:
Science Teacher + Biomedical/Biological Scientist

☐ Check if applicable

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Teacher Approval (Required for ALL projects)

I have reviewed and approved this student’s research plan prior to experimentation and certify compliance with all rules.

Teacher Signature: __________
Date: __________

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Additional Safety Approval

(Required if any boxes above are checked)

Name: __________
Date: __________
Position: __________
Email: __________
Signature: __________

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Student Certification

I certify:

☐ My project complies with all rules of the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair
☐ I have attached a complete research plan

Student Signature: __________
Date: __________

(Additional students sign if team project)

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Parent/Guardian Consent

I understand the risks and consent to my child participating.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________
Date: __________

(Additional parents sign if team project)

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Research Location

List all locations where research will occur:

Facility Type (check all that apply):

• Home
• School
• University
• Lab
• Public Facility (Park, Library, etc.)
• Other

Location #1: __________
Location #2: __________

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Supervisor Acknowledgement

Students must have an adult supervisor (parent, teacher, or lab supervisor).

The supervisor certifies:

• They have reviewed the student’s plan
• They understand safety requirements
• They will directly supervise the project

Supervisor Name: __________
Signature: __________
Date: __________
Email or Phone: __________

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Submission Instructions

• Submit this form to your teacher or school fair coordinator
• Coordinators submit to district-level fair for qualification

IMPORTANT: KEEP A COPY FOR YOURSELF

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Contact Information

For questions:
Jody Oostema
Email: jody.oostema@utah.edu
Phone: 801-661-2120

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Additional Notes

• A research plan is required
• Additional signatures are required before experimentation begins if applicable
• Students must always work under adult supervision

Printable Student Checklist
Printable Checklist for Adult Sponsor
Printable Approval Form

Student Checklist 

This form is required for ALL projects.

1. Student Information

a. Student/Team Leader: __________________________
Grade: __________________________
Email: __________________________
Phone: __________________________

b. Team Member: __________________________
c. Team Member: __________________________

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2. Title of Project

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3. School Information

School: __________________________
School Phone: __________________________
School Address: __________________________________________

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4. Adult Sponsor

Adult Sponsor: __________________________
Phone/Email: __________________________

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5. Pre-Approval Requirement

Does this project need SRC/IRB/IACUC or other pre-approval?
☐ Yes ☐ No

Tentative start date: __________________________

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6. Continuation/Progression Project

Is this a continuation/progression from a previous year?
☐ Yes ☐ No

If Yes:

• Attach the previous year’s:
  ☐ Abstract
  ☐ Research Plan/Project Summary
• Explain how this project is new and different on:
  ☐ Continuation/Research Progression Form (7)

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7. Experimentation/Data Collection

This year’s experimentation/data collection:

Actual Start Date (mm/dd/yy): __________________________
End Date (mm/dd/yy): __________________________

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8. Location of Experimentation

Where will you conduct your experimentation? (check all that apply)
☐ Research Institution
☐ School
☐ Field
☐ Home
☐ Other: __________________________

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9. Source of Data

☐ Collected self/mentor
☐ Other

Describe/URL: __________________________________________

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10. Work Site(s) (if applicable)

List the name and address of all non-home and non-school work site(s), whether virtual or on-site:

Name: __________________________
Address: __________________________________________
Phone/Email: __________________________

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11. Research Plan/Project Summary

Complete a Research Plan/Project Summary following instructions and attach to this form.

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12. Abstract

An abstract is required for all projects after experimentation.

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Research Plan / Project Summary Instructions

A complete Research Plan/Project Summary is required for ALL projects and must accompany the Student Checklist (1A).

General Requirements

• All projects must include a Research Plan/Project Summary.
• The Research Plan must be written before experimentation.
• If changes occur, they may be added as an addendum.
• If no changes occur, no project summary is required.
• Some projects (engineering/math) may evolve; if so, a summary explaining what was done must be added.

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Required Sections

A. RATIONALE

• Provide background for the research problem
• Explain why the research is important
• Include any societal impact (if applicable)

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B. RESEARCH QUESTION / HYPOTHESIS / GOALS

• State research question(s), hypothesis(es), or engineering goals
• Explain expected outcomes

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C. METHODS (Detailed Description)

Procedures

• Explain experimental design
• Describe data collection methods
• Only include your own work

Risk and Safety

• Identify risks
• Describe safety precautions

Data Analysis

• Explain how data/results will be analyzed

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D. BIBLIOGRAPHY

• List major references (journals, books, websites)
• Animal studies must include an animal care reference

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Additional Requirements (if applicable)

1. Human Participants Research

• Describe participants (age, gender, demographics)
• Explain recruitment process
• Detail participant activities
• Conduct risk assessment
• Explain privacy protections (confidential vs anonymous)
• Describe informed consent process

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2. Vertebrate Animal Research

• Justify use of animals and alternatives
• Explain research impact
• Detail procedures and how discomfort is minimized
• Provide animal details (number, species, etc.)
• Describe housing and care
• Explain disposition of animals after study

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3. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents

• Identify organism source
• Explain biosafety level (BSL)
• Describe safety precautions and disposal

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4. Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, or Devices

• Describe risk assessment
• Explain supervision
• Provide safety precautions
• Explain disposal methods
• (Material Safety Data Sheets are not required)

 

Checklist for Adult Sponsor 

This completed form is required for ALL projects.

Adult Sponsor’s Printed Name
Signature
Date of Review (mm/dd/yy)
Phone
Email

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To be completed by the Adult Sponsor in collaboration with the student researcher(s):

Student’s Name(s):
Project Title:

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1.

☐ I have reviewed the ISEF Rules and Guidelines, including the science fair ethics statement.

2.

☐ I have reviewed the student’s completed Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan/Project Summary.

3.

☐ I have worked with the student and we have discussed the possible risks involved in the project.

4.

☐ The project involves one or more of the following and requires prior approval by an SRC, IRB, IACUC or IBC:

• ☐ Humans
• ☐ Vertebrate Animals
• ☐ Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
• ☐ Microorganisms
• ☐ rDNA
• ☐ Tissues

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5. Items to be completed for ALL PROJECTS

• ☐ Adult Sponsor Checklist (1)
• ☐ Student Checklist (1A)
• ☐ Research Plan/Project Summary
• ☐ Approval Form (1B)
• ☐ Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) (when applicable; after completed experiment)
• ☐ Continuation/Research Progression Form (7) (when applicable)

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Additional forms required if the project includes one or more of the following (check all that apply):

Humans

(Including student designed inventions/prototypes. Requires prior approval by an IRB.)

• ☐ Human Participants Form (4) or appropriate Institutional IRB documentation
• ☐ Sample of Informed Consent Form (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)
• ☐ Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)

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Vertebrate Animals

(Requires prior approval)

• ☐ Vertebrate Animal Form (5A) – school/home/field research site (SRC prior approval required)
• ☐ Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) – regulated research institution (IACUC approval required prior to experimentation)
• ☐ Qualified Scientist Form (2) (required for all vertebrate animal projects at a regulated research site or when applicable)

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Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents

(Requires prior approval by SRC, IACUC or IBC)

• ☐ Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6A)
• ☐ Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) – required when using fresh/frozen tissue, cell cultures, blood, body fluids
• ☐ Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable)

Exempt from prior review but still require Risk Assessment Form (3):

• Projects involving protists, archaea, or similar microorganisms
• Using manure for composting, fuel production, or other non-culturing experiments
• Color change coliform water test kits
• Microbial fuel cells
• Decomposing vertebrate organisms

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Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices

(No SRC prior approval required)

• ☐ Risk Assessment Form (3)
• ☐ Qualified Scientist Form (2) (required for DEA-controlled substances or when applicable)

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Other

• ☐ Risk Assessment Form (3)

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Final Attestation

☐ I attest to the information checked above and that I have read and agree to abide by the science fair ethics statement.

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Adult Sponsor’s Printed Name
Signature
Date of Review (mm/dd/yy)

Phone
Email

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Source: International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2023–2024 (Page 31)

 

Approval Form 

A completed form is required for each student, including all team members.

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1. To Be Completed by Student and Parent

a. Student Acknowledgment:

• I understand the risks and possible dangers to me of the proposed research plan.
• I have read the ISEF Rules and Guidelines and will adhere to all International Rules when conducting this research.
• I have read and will abide by the science fair ethics statement.

Student researchers are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Such practices include but are not limited to plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs and ISEF.

Fields:

• Student’s Printed Name
• Signature
• Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy) (Must be prior to experimentation.)

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b. Parent/Guardian Approval:

I have read and understand the risks and possible dangers involved in the Research Plan/Project Summary. I consent to my child participating in this research.

Fields:

• Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name
• Signature
• Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy) (Must be prior to experimentation.)

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2. To Be Completed by the Local or Affiliated Fair SRC

(Required for projects requiring prior SRC/IRB approval. Sign 2a or 2b as appropriate.)

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a. Prior SRC/IRB Approval Required BEFORE Experimentation

(For projects involving humans, vertebrates, or potentially hazardous biological agents)

The SRC/IRB has carefully studied this project’s Research Plan/Project Summary and all required forms are included. My signature indicates approval of the Research Plan/Project Summary before the student begins experimentation.

Fields:

• SRC/IRB Chair’s Printed Name
• Signature
• Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy) (Must be prior to experimentation.)

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OR

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b. Research Conducted at a Regulated Research Institution

(No prior fair SRC/IRB approval)

This project was conducted at a regulated research institution (not home or high school, etc.), was reviewed and approved by the proper institutional board before experimentation, and complies with the ISEF Rules.

Attach:

• (1C)
• Any required institutional approvals (e.g., IACUC, IRB)

Fields:

• SRC Chair’s Printed Name
• Signature
• Date of Signature (mm/dd/yy) (May be after experimentation)

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3. Final ISEF Affiliated Fair SRC Approval (Required for ALL Projects)

SRC Approval After Experimentation and Before Competition at Regional/State/National Fair

I certify that this project adheres to the approved Research Plan/Project Summary and complies with all ISEF Rules.

Fields:

• Regional SRC Chair’s Printed Name

• Signature

• Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

• State/National SRC Chair’s Printed Name (where applicable)

• Signature

• Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

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Reference

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2023–2024
societyforscience.org/ISEF
(Page 34)

In schools with few projects, students can enter the District Science Fair even if their school did not hold a school-level science fair.

For schools with many projects, a school-level science fair will need to be held to keep the number of entries to between 10 and 12 projects.

***Important*** Students/parents should contact Laura Bastian directly for additional forms if any student is conducting research involving the following:

 *Working in an industrial or laboratory setting with a professional scientist or supervisor

 *Human Participants

 *Vertebrate Animals

 *Potentially hazardous biological agents (including any experiments that include growing bacteria or mold)

 *Potentially hazardous substances and/or devices

 *Potentially hazardous chemicals and/or materials

 If students conduct research involving any of the above without prior approval, then they won’t be able to participate in the science fair.

Projects should NOT be demonstrations or repeat previously done experiments, but rather should be a collection and analysis of DATA.
1. Effect of music on plants
2. Effect of talking to plants
3. Effect of dark vs. light on plants or colored lights, etc.
4. Effect of giving plants other things than water, e.g. milk, soda, salt water, etc.
5. Effect of cola, coffee, etc. on teeth; tooth decay, coloring, etc.
6. Effect of running, jumping, music, video games, movies, etc. on blood pressure
7. Balanced diets (data usually unreliable)
8. Strength/absorbency of paper towels (and other products)
9. "Which is best?" -- Approach generally without scientific merit (which popcorn pops better, which soap, fertilizer, etc.)
10. Basic maze running
11. Any project which boils down to simple preference; what do girls/boys/cats/dogs like better. ..
12. Effect of color on memory, emotion, mood, etc.
13. Effect of color on food taste, e.g. changing the color of Jell-O to effect the taste
14. Optical illusions
15. Reaction times in general and distractions effecting reaction speed
16. Many male/female comparisons, especially if bias shows
17. Basic planaria regeneration
18. Detergents vs. stains
19. Basic solar collectors
20. Acid rain projects (Important: to be considered, thorough research into the composition of acid rain and a scientifically accurate simulation of it would be necessary.)
21. Basic flight tests, e.g., planes, rockets
22. Battery life (plug in and run down)
23. Basic popcorn volume tests
24. Taste comparisons, e.g., Coke vs. Pepsi can you tell the difference?
25. Sleep learning
26. Music effecting learning
27. Taste or paw-preferences of cats, dogs, etc.
28. Color choices of goldfish, etc.
29. Basic chromatography
30. Wing or fin shape comparison with mass, surface area, etc. not considered
31. Ball bounce tests with poor measurement techniques
32. Fingerprints and heredity
33. Hovercraft design
34. Colonizing bacteria from doorknobs, student's hands, places around the school, etc.
3 5. Memory Tests
36. Penny polishing; what cleans pennies the best
37. Insulation effectiveness
38. Coke & Mentos
39. Hand sanitizers and bacteria; which sanitizer is best?

We follow the rules and judging guidelines of the USEF (University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair).

Visit the USEF website for details, registration info, and required forms.

No mold or bacteria projects.

Printable USEF Rubric

Printable Spanish USEF Rubric

USEF Rubric 2025

Rate each statement on a scale of 0–4:

• 4 = Exceeds Expectations
• 3 = Proficient
• 2 = Developing
• 1 = Limited Evidence
• 0 = No Evidence

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NextGen Science Practices

Investigation

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

• The student(s) posed a question or defined a problem that could be investigated using scientific experimentation or engineering design principles.
  Key Words: Testable Question/Problem

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Planning and Carrying out Investigations

• The investigation connects to, builds or expands on previous work (the student’s or others’) or observations and provides appropriate references.
  Key Words: Connection to Past, Appropriate References

• Scientific experiments or engineering procedures were designed to address the question or problem using appropriate materials and methodology.
  Key Words: Design Addresses Question/Problem, Appropriate Methods

• Scientific experiments or engineering procedures were designed using defined variables or criteria and constraints as needed, and were evident in the testing.
  Key Words: Defined Variables or Criteria

• Testing and replications of the experiment or design (test, retest, redesign) were evident and appropriate for the context and grade level of the project.
  Key Words: Replications or Redesigns

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Sensemaking (Analyzing & Interpreting, Making Sense of the Data)

Developing & Using Models

• Data were generated, predicted, and/or described using methods, processes, or systems appropriate for the context and grade level of the project.
  Key Words: Appropriate Data Generation

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Analyzing & Interpreting Data

• Data were analyzed using concepts of statistics and probability, appropriate for the grade level of the project, to make valid claims or problem solutions.
  Key Words: Data Analysis, Valid Claims

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Using Mathematical and Computational Thinking

• Consistency of measurements, limitations of experiments and/or data analysis, and the impact of new data from subsequent experiments on a previous conclusion or solution were considered.
  Key Words: Data Collection Consistency, Limitations, Impact of New Data

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Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions

• Conclusions clearly described the outcome of the scientific experiments or engineering design process, and suggested broader implications for their project outcomes and/or future studies to expand or improve the project.
  Key Words: Clear Conclusion based on outcomes, Implication & Future Study

• The student(s) referenced evidence from background sources and the project’s data, and had sound reasoning and data to support the explanations or conclusions.
  Key Words: Conclusion links to evidence, Sound Reasoning

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Critiquing (Presentation & Board)

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

• The project board provided sufficient information (background, methods, results, conclusions) and was organized in a manner to aid the presentation and discussion of the project.
  Key Words: Organized & Useful Project Board

• The student(s) communicated an understanding of scientific or technical information or ideas appropriate for the context and grade level of the project.
  Key Words: Understanding of Scientific or Engineering Ideas

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Engaging in Argument from Evidence

• The student(s) described all aspects of the project, answered questions, and engaged in additional discussion regarding the project.
• If a team project, all members of the team contributed to the presentation and discussion.
  Key Words: Engaged in Discussion, All team members contributed

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TOTAL / 52: 0

Printable Science Fair Notebook

Printable Spanish Science Fair Notebook

Elementary Science Fair Notebook

Name: __________________ (partner) __________________
School: __________________________
Grade: __________
Project Due Date: __________________________
School Science Fair Date: __________________________
District Fair Date: __________________________

Project Overview

What is a science fair project?

The science fair project is a long-term project where you will plan, conduct, and share your results from your own independent investigation. It includes:

• Pre-planning and brainstorming ideas

• Conducting an experiment

• Recording and analyzing data

• Creating a trifold poster

What makes a good project?

• Choose a topic that interests you

• Do research before you begin

• Be original

• Do multiple trials

• Reflect if something doesn’t work

• Make your poster clear and attractive

What should my display board look like?

• Show what you learned

• Use typed sections, colors, visuals

• Include:

  • Title

  • Purpose

  • Hypothesis

  • Background/research

  • Results

  • Conclusion

• Include pictures, charts, graphs, materials, and steps

Science Fair Timeline

Topic and Question (about a month in advance)

• Read, observe, explore interests

• Develop a testable question

Research (about a month in advance)

• Research topic

• Write a paragraph of findings

Hypothesis (about a month in advance)

• Write prediction with reasoning (“because”)

Plan the Experiment (a few weeks before)

• Materials list

• Step-by-step procedures

• Identify variables

Teacher Approval Form (before starting)

• Must be signed

Collect Data & Make Observations (experiment period)

• Run experiment

• Collect accurate data

• Repeat trials

Data Charts and Graphs (1 week before fair)

• Organize data visually

Conclusion (1 week before fair)

• 1–3 paragraphs

Poster/Display Board (2 days before fair)

• Present all sections clearly

Topic Brainstorm & Interest Survey

Questions:

• What do you like to do outside school?

• Favorite science-related activities?

Interest prompts (examples of fields):

• Engineering

• Plant Biology

• Physics

• Psychology

• Computer Science

• Zoology

• Meteorology

• Environmental Science

• Astronomy

• Oceanography

• Chemistry

• Geology

• Sports Science

• Biology

Question

A testable question requires an experiment (not a demonstration).

Question stems:

• What is the effect of ______ on ______?

• How does ______ affect ______?

• Which/What ______ __________?

Also answer:

• What is the purpose?

• Who might it help?

Research

• What do you already know?

• Write questions and answers

• Include works cited (URLs or search terms)

• After researching: summarize what you learned

Hypothesis

A hypothesis:

• Is a probable answer

• Based on research

• Includes:

  • What you change

  • What you predict

  • Why

Format:

If __________, then __________ because __________.

Experiment: Materials & Procedures

Before starting:

• Teacher must approve

Key concepts:

• Independent variable (what you change)

• Dependent variable (what you measure)

• Controlled variables (what stays the same)

Materials:

• List everything precisely

Procedures:

• Step-by-step

• Detailed enough to replicate

Collect Data & Observations

Plan:

• How will data be recorded?

• How often?

• How long?

• Number of trials

Identify:

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Number of trials

Observations:

• Record dates

• Use notes, drawings, photos

Conclusion

1–3 paragraphs including:

• Was hypothesis correct?

• What did you learn?

• Use data

• Explain results

• Why results happened

• Importance of findings

• Who benefits

Display Board Layout

Poster requirements:

• 48” x 48” or 48” x 72”

• Max: 30” deep, 48” wide, 72” high

Back of board:

• Name, school, grade

Tips:

• Title: catchy and descriptive

• Use 2–3 colors consistently

• Keep neat and organized

• Font: size 14+, readable

• Use charts, images, layered displays

Evaluation Criteria (Scoring Rubric)

Each section scored (0–20 points):

Science Project Categories:

• Objectives

• Hypothesis

• Use of Resources

• Design & Procedures

• Data & Results

• Documentation (notebook)

• Discussion & Conclusions

• Interview

• Display

Levels:

• Excellent (17–20)

• Good (13–16)

• Fair (9–12)

• Poor (0–8)

Science Fair Form (University of Utah)

Student Info:

• Team project (Yes/No)

• Number of participants

• Names

• Grades

• School & district

• Teacher name/email

• Project title

Categories:

• Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, etc.

Safety & Approval Requirements

Additional approval needed if working with:

• Human subjects

• Animals

• Controlled substances

• Hazardous materials/devices

• Biological agents

Key rules:

• Bacteria cannot be grown at home

• Must follow safety regulations

• Adult supervision required

Teacher Approval Section

Teacher must approve project before experimentation

Student & Parent Signatures

Required:

• Student signature

• Parent/guardian signature

• Consent for participation

• Photo/media permission

Research Location

List locations:

• Home

• School

• University

• Lab

• Public facilities

Supervisor Acknowledgement

Supervisor confirms:

• Reviewed plan

• Understands safety

• Will supervise

Final Notes

• Must submit to teacher or coordinator

• Keep a copy

• Contact info provided for University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair

January 28, 2026

8:00: Secondary students set up and bring poster boards.

8:30 to 10:00: Judging of secondary projects.

10:00 to 10:30: Clean up secondary projects. Students will take them home with them at this time.

10:30 to 11:00: Set up of elementary projects. Bring poster boards.

11:00 to 1:30: Judging of elementary projects. Students will take them home with them at this time.

Poster Dimensions

48” x 48” or 48” x 72”

International maximum display limits

30” deep, 48” wide, 72” high

Use the display below for general guidelines on how to organize research information.

Back of Board:

Name, School Grade

Other helpful hints

Title: Make it catchy and descriptive. You can have a fun or short main title with a more descriptive sub-title underneath in smaller lettering.

Theme & Colors: Often it is best to choose only 2 or 3 colors for your entire poster. Maintain the same theme and fonts throughout the entire poster. Print graphs and pictures in color.

Neatness & Organization: Although the look of your poster doesn’t officially affect your score, it can subconsciously affect the way the judges feel about you and your project. Make sure lines are straight, everything is cut out nicely, and that the organization is easy to follow. Use “zots” or “adhesive mounting pads” for a 3D effect.

Font: Choose at least size 14 font so it can be read from a distance of 3 feet. Use a simple font like Times or Arial.

Fitting it all in: When printing out your sections, you can use the most narrow margins to fit more words on a page as long as it will fit in your poster. You can also choose to layer multiple graphs, tables, or testing materials by placing in sheet protectors, overlapping, and attaching with brad fasteners. Use this “flip chart” style only with related data, series of photos, or steps.

At the start of each school year, School Science Fair Organizers must contact Laura Bastian (email address link) to ensure that they are on the district’s school science fair email list.

To ensure that students have the smoothest transition from school science fair to district science fair to regional science fair, we must maintain similar expectations for projects and presentations. Please review the following documentation for support organizing and running the school level science fair.

Timeline

Who, What, When of Science Fair

Science fair rules may seem pesky, but USEF has rules because we care about students. We aren't trying to stop students' fun; we are trying to keep students, families, and teachers safe. Rules also ensure that projects comply with international, federal, and state laws.
USEF is affiliated with the Intel ISEF, so projects must follow all ISEF rules. The complete ISEF rules are found here: https://www .societyforscience.org/isef/intemational-rules
The Intel ISEF website has a handy Rules Wizard that helps you know what, if any, additional forms you will need to fill out. The Wizard can be found here: https://ruleswizard.societyforscience.org
The following are not allowed. Doing these things will get a project disqualified to advance to next level competitions. So, do not do them! Bolded items are the most frequent offenders.

Project

• Plagiarism, fabrication of data, or any other form of ethical misconduct.
• A demonstration project. (If your project is simply showing how something works, it is probably a demonstration. Change it into an experiment by selecting and manipulating a variable.)
• Failing to get SRC pre-approval if your project requires it.
• Failing to complete and submit the required forms. Be sure that you get all required signatures, and be certain that your dates are correct. If, for example, a form says you started your project on November 1st, but you didn't get SRC approval until November 15th , then we have a problem.
• Doing a project involving human subjects without IRB pre-approval.
• Doing a research project that causes more than momentary pain or suffering to vertebrate animals.
• Doing a project designed to kill vertebrate animals.
• Growing microorganisms at home (bacteria, fungi, etc). You can grow bacteria in a LAB.
• Doing a project designed to engineer bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics.
• Working with a BSL 2 organism in a BSL 1 lab .
• Working with any BSL 3 or 4 organisms.
• Doing a project with hazardous chemicals, activities, or devices without a Designated Supervisor ( or a Qualified Scientist, if using a DEA-controlled substance).

Project Display
Resolving problems with your display is usually possible, but it is best to simply avoid violating the display and safety rules. It is probably best to leave most of the things you might want sitting at your display at home. Use pictures instead; it will not negatively affect your judging scores and it will make your life much easier. The only things that you need at your project are your display board, lab book, and research report (if you have one).
The following are not permitted:

• All of your project display, including notebooks, pictures, gadgets, and papers, must fit within these
• dimensions: no more that 30" deep, 48" wide, and 108" tall (from floor to top).
• No living organisms, taxidermy specimens, preserved animals, human/animal body parts or body fluids are permitted.
• No pictures showing vertebrate animals during laborato1y procedures are allowed.
• No food is permitted at your display.
• No raw plant materials, living, dead, or preserved is permitted.
• No chemicals (including water), no hazardous substances or devices, highly flammable material, sharp items, or glass are allowed your display.

Students who advance from the District Science Fair will participate in the Utah Regional University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair (USEF). Students who are invited MUST register themselves for this fair before the deadline.