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PLANNING YOUR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Check out these ideas for project board design from Youth Science Canada

PROJECT TYPES

Experiment

An investigation undertaken to test a scientific hypothesis using experiments. Experimental variables, if identified, are controlled to some extent.

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Study

Sometimes you won’t be testing a new hypothesis, but you will be coming up with a novel approach to existing data.  You might not be collecting data, but analyzing existing data in a new way. Many studies are carried out using surveys given to human subjects.

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Innovation

A project involving the development and evaluation of innovative devices, models or techniques or approaches in fields such as technology, engineering, or computers (both hardware and software).

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Demonstration

(Primary and Elementary divisions only)

Illustrates a known scientific principle. Does not investigate or prove an idea but shows an understanding of the concept. It could also involve re-testing an experiment already done.

SUBJECT CATEGORIES

SAFETY and ETHICS GUIDES

Before you start your project make sure you follow:

 

Safety rules Click here 

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Ethics rules Click here

RESOURCES

Check out some PROJECTS from all over Canada for ideas and inspiration

PROJECT EVALUATION

10%   Project Summary

20%   Display

20%   Oral Presentation (you have 15 mins 2-4 minute presentation then questions)

15%   Original Creativity

35%   Scientific Thought

 

Total  100%

RULES AND REGULATIONS

All projects and exhibits entered in the Peterborough Regional Science Fair must meet the following criteria and deadlines

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  • Deadline for submitting entry fee and signature pages is: Tuesday March19, at MIDNIGHT Late Entries will NOT be accepted. There are NO exceptions.

  • ​Under 21 years of age

  • Attending classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12 at a public, separate, private school​, home-school​

  • A project with two students is eligible but more than 2 students is not allowed

  • Students may not enter an identical project at any subsequent regional Science Fairs. However, a project may be improved and entered again to compete

  • A project cannot be entered in more than one regional Science Fair per school year for competition leading to the Canada- Wide Science Fair

  • A student may not present more than one project each year

  • The exhibit can no more than 1.5 m high, 1.2 m wide and 0.8 m deep, self-standing and stable. Exhibits which exceed these dimensions will be disqualified.

  • Projects must not involve living vertebrates except for observations of normal living patterns. No living vertebrates shall be displayed in exhibits. Parts of vertebrates slaughtered for other purposes are permitted. 

  • If 2 students enter a group project and they are in different divisions they will compete in the higher division

  • Entry fee:  $15.00 per student (a group project is still $15 per student) 

SAFETY RULES 

All projects and exhibits entered in the Peterborough Regional Science Fair must follow the following safety rules:

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  • Any display or backboard must be unlikely to ignite (three fold display boards found at stores like Staples are acceptable)

  • All hazardous or moving parts must be protected

  • Your exhibit does not contain pressurized containers

  • Your exhibit does contain any open flames

  • Any radio-isotopes are sealed properly and at normal background activity

  • Your exhibit does not contain flammable or poisonous materials

  • Power cables and switches must be supplied by the student and CSA approved, provide proper grounding and protected by fuses. Electricity (AC110 volt and 60 cycle) will be supplied but no gas or water outlets

  • Moving parts must be firmly attached

  • Cell or battery-fed circuits should be both safe in design and operation

  • All electrical connections are insulated

  • Any non-current carrying metal materials used are grounded properly

  • Your exhibit does not generate voltages above 10kV

  • Any exposed live components are at a potential of less than 36 V to ground

  • Lasers are not operated during public display

  • X-ray and other high radiation sources are registered and approved by provincial authorities

  • Live animals are not displayed at any point

  • Procedures or activities that could harm or distress have not been used in your project.

  • There are no biological toxins present in your exhibit

  • You have not performed experimental manipulations with recombinant DNA or animal viruses

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