Summary of Rules for Participating in the

2008 Alaska Science & Engineering Fair

 

Senior High students must follow the rules of both the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair. By following the ISEF rules, your project may be eligible to win at the Alaska Fair and go on to the International Fair.

 

Download the 2008 ISEF rules -- English (Senior High only)

Download the 2008 ISEF rules -- Spanish (Senior High only)

 

All students in all grades must follow the rules of the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair as listed below:

 

I. Who is eligible to win the big prize? (Alaska)

1. Not more than two people, in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12, may be certified as finalists to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). These two people must be students enrolled in a public, private or parochial school and not over 21 years of age.

2. If a Team Project is chosen as finalist, one team member will be sent to the ISEF. If sufficient funding is identified, the other members may also be sent.

3. One alternate may be chosen to attend ISEF. That person may be a student enrolled in the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. This person will not exhibit at the ISEF.

4. Students must be present during judging to answer questions about their projects to be eligible for top awards.

II. Projects (Alaska)

1. A student may enter only one project and it must be his/her own work.

2. Projects must not be the same as a previous year's work; however, a project with additional new work/study on the same problem showing significant progress is encouraged.

3. Research involving vertebrate animal or human subjects requires special supervision and certification. For such projects, refer to the ISEF Rules in English / ISEF Rules in Spanish, or contact Texas Gail Raymond at 907-742-4854 (Anchorage). Students in grades 9-12 must conform to all the ISEF rules as published. Students in K-8 who experiment with humans, vertebrate animals, animal tissues, DNA or suspected carcinogenic chemicals must have their research plan approved by their teacher before they begin the project. SEE PAGE 4 OF ISEF Rules in English / ISEF Rules in Spanish FOR LATEST RULE CHANGES.

4. Team Projects will be accepted with teams up to three members. The projects will compete in a multidisciplinary 15th category. Please see page 9 of the ISEF Rules in English / ISEF Rules in Spanish booklet for further information.

III. Exhibit (Alaska)

1. Exhibit size is limited to 76 cm front to back, 122 cm side to side, and 274 cm top to bottom.

2. NO LIVE CREATURES OR PRESERVED VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OR PARTS, INCLUDING EMBRYOS may be exhibited. NO BACTERIAL CULTURES, SOIL, PLANTS, OR OTHER MATERIALS WHICH CONTAIN MICROBES may be exhibited. Research involving use of animals, bacteria, microbes, etc. may use photos, drawings, charts or graphs to illustrate any phase of the investigation. Photographs or other visual presentations depicting vertebrate animals in other-than-normal conditions (i.e., surgical techniques, dissection, necropsies or other lab techniques) are prohibited.

3. Exhibitors are expected to furnish their own electric extension cords. Please mark them clearly with names.

IV. Safety PLEASE SEE PAGE 6 OF ISEF Rules in English / ISEF Rules in Spanish BOOKLET FOR COMPLETE SAFETY RULES!
Anything that could be hazardous is PROHIBITED FROM DISPLAY. This includes:

1. Disease-causing organisms

2. Open flames

3. Flammable gases, liquids or highly combustible solids, or tanks which have contained same

4. Any chemicals or drugs

5. Operation of a Class III or IV Laser
   NOTE: CLASS II LASERS MAY BE OPERATED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
     * The student must be present
     * A proper shield must be used
     * A sign must be displayed as follows:
       "LASER RADIATION - DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM"

V. Abstract (Alaska)

Abstracts are required of grades 9-12, strongly recommended of grades 7-8, and recommended for grades 4-6. Persons wishing to enter the Abstract Contest sponsored by the Society for Technical Communication (STC) should bring two copies of their completed abstract to Registration. One copy stays with the project, and the other copy is for the abstract contest. Get the abstract form (STC Alaska version).

 

NOTE: ANY PROJECT NOT CONFORMING WILL BE DISQUALIFIED AND NOT DISPLAYED. THE DECISION OF THE ALASKA SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR SAFETY AND RULES COMMITTEE SHALL BE FINAL.

 

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