To qualify for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), you must compete in a local fair that’s affiliated with Intel ISEF and be selected to represent that fair at Intel ISEF. The Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair is Intel-Affiliated.
Follow Intel ISEF rules to ensure your project will be eligible for Intel ISEF, should the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair choose you as a finalist.
Student Handbook
Helpful Links
Rules Wizzard
Forms
Project Ideas
Choosing a Project
SRC Flow Chart
Fair Agenda
ISEF Rules/Regs
Display Safety
Human Subjects
Deadlines
Presenting Your Project
International Science Fair
Are you planning to start your research project or enter the fair now? Taking part in the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair is fun, educational and rewarding. Science Buddies is ready to help. Click this link for information that can help you get started, conduct your research properly, and enter the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair which is affiliated with Intel ISEF.
IMPORTANT: Does your Science Fair project need pre-approval before you begin? To answer this question, click here. You may also refer to the International Science & Engineering Fair's Rules Wizzard.
Forms:
You need to complete all the necessary forms in order to compete in the Intel-affiliated Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair.
Forms should be sent to the Science Fair offices at:
Ms. Karen Kelly, Science Fair
c/o Contra Costa Economic Partnership
1355 Willow Way - Suite 253
Concord, CA 94517
Won't you please take a few moments to let us know you plan on participating in the fair by completing the short form below? Be sure then to download the appropriate forms below and make sure you get your forms signed and sent in anytime prior to the February 20 deadline.
Student Name
Sponsor Teacher
School
Home Address
City, Zip
E-Mail Address
Phone #
What category are you thinking about submitting a project in? Please indicate:
Math/Computer Sciences
Biological (includes Biochemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Medicine & Health)
Physical (Chemistry, Earth & Space, Physics)
Behavioral/Social Sciences (includes Gerontology)
Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Please mail the following forms to my home address above:
Application Deadline
Friday, February 20, 2009
Submit Applications to:
Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair
c/o Contra Costa Economic Partnership
1355 Willow Way - Suite 253
Concord, CA 94520
Each student must submit all the required forms as indicated as part of their application.
Refer to the Forms webpage.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 Determine your science fair project subject area.
Step 2 Determine if your need pre-approval of your project before beginning. See SRC Approval Flowchart here.
Step 3 Complete the required forms.
Step 4 NO LATER THAN February 20 (sooner if pre-approval is required), mail the forms to the Contra Costa Science Fair office (see address above)
Step 5 Conduct your science fair project
Step 6 NO LATER THAN March 6, mail the Abstract form to the Contra Costa Science Fair office (see address above)
Step 7 ON March 19 after 2 p.m. come to the Heald Conference Center and check in, set-up your project and prepare for next day's interview with the Science Fair judges.
Step 8 ON March 20, between Noon and 2 p.m. be at your Science Fair project table and be ready to answer questions of the Science Fair Judges.
Step 9 ON March 21, 9:00 am to Noon, participate in the Science Fair Awards Ceremony and find out where you placed in the countywide competition.
All Individual Forms Available for Download (2009):
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Project Categories:
Junior Division (Grades 7, 8 & 9) Senior Division (Grades 10, 11 & 12)
Math/Computer Sciences
Biological (includes Biochemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Medicine & Health)
Physical (Chemistry, Earth & Space, Physics)
Behavioral/Social Sciences (includes Gerontology)
Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Math/Computer Sciences
Biological (includes Biochemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Medicine & Health)
Physical (Chemistry, Earth & Space, Physics)
Behavioral/Social Sciences (includes Gerontology)
Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Human and animal behavior, social and community relationships--psychology, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, ethology, ethnology, linguistics, learning, perception, urban problems, reading problems, public opinion surveys, educational testing, etc.
Biochemistry
Chemistry of life processes-- molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.
Botany
Study of plant life--agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, etc.
Chemistry
Study of nature and composition of matter and laws governing it--physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc.
Computer Science
Study and development of computer hardware, software engineering, internet networking and communications, graphics (including human interface), simulations / virtual reality or computational science (including data structures, encryption, coding and information theory).
Earth Science
Geology, minerology, physiography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, speleology, seismology, geography, etc.
Engineering
Technology; projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses--civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic, sound, automotive, marine, heating and refrigerating, transportation, environmental engineering, etc.
Environmental Science
Study of pollution (air, water, and land) sources and their control; ecology.
Mathematics
Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of these principles--calculus, geometry, abstract algebra, number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability.
Medicine and Health
Study of diseases and health of humans and animals--dentistry, pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, etc.
Microbiology
Biology of microorganisms--bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungi, bacterial genetics, yeast, etc.
Physics
Theories, principles, and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter--solid state, optics, acoustics, particle, nuclear, atomic, plasma, superconductivity, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetism, quantum mechanics, biophysics, etc.
Space Science
Astronomy, planetary science, etc.
Zoology
Study of animals--animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, animal ecology, paleontology, cellular physiology, circadian rhythms, animal husbandry, cytology, histology, animal physiology, invertebrate neurophysiology, studies of invertebrates, etc.
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Presenting Your Project
In order to compete in the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair, students MUST participate in the project judging. This will include meeting face-to-face with members of the Science Fair Judging Team to demonstrate your knowledge of the project that you submitted.
Over 75 judges from a variety of disciplines and industries in Contra Costa County have volunteered to judge student projects. They will use a specific criteria as they review each project. During your interview they will be focusing especially on your demonstration of knowledge about the subjectmatter of your project.
If you have any questions, please check with your teacher or adult sponsor.
For a complete view of the 3-day event and the activities associated with the Science Fair, click here.
Display Safety & Regulations
We welcome your participation in the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair. We know you will have fun putting together a display board for your Science Fair project.
Be sure you adhere to the rules and safety regulations for your display. You can see what is NOT allowed in our display below.
Not Allowed at Project or in Booth
1) Living organisms, including plants
2) Taxidermy specimens or parts
3) Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals
4) Human or animal food
5) Human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine)
7) Laboratory/household chemicals including water (Exceptions: water integral to an enclosed apparatus or water supplied by the Display and Safety Committee)
8) Poisons, drugs, controlled substances, hazardous substances or devices (for example, firearms, weapons, ammunition, reloading devices)
9) Dry ice or other sublimating solids
10) Sharp items (for example, syringes, needles, pipettes, knives)
11) Flames or highly flammable materials
12) Batteries with open-top cells
13) Awards, medals, business cards, flags, endorsements and/or acknowledgements (graphic or written) unless the item(s) are an integral part of the project (Exception: Intel ISEF medal(s) may be worn at all times.)
14) Photographs or other visual presentations depicting vertebrate animals in surgical techniques, dissections, necropsies, or other lab procedures
15) Active Internet or e-mail connections as part of displaying or operating the project at the Intel ISEF
16) Glass or glass objects unless deemed by the Display and Safety Committee to be an integral and necessary part of the project (Exception: glass that is an integral part of a commercial product such as a computer screen)
17) Any apparatus deemed unsafe by the Scientific Review Committee, the Display and Safety Committee, or Science Service (for example, large vacuum tubes or dangerous ray-generating devices, empty tanks that previously contained combustible liquids or gases, pressurized tanks, etc.)
Allowed at Project or in Booth, BUT with the Restrictions Indicated
1) Soil or waste samples if permanently encased in a slab of acrylic
2) Postal, Web and e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers of finalist only
3) Photographs and/or visual depictions if: a) They are not deemed offensive or inappropriate by the Scientific Review Committee, the Display and Safety Committee, or Science Service. b) Credit lines of their origins: “Photograph taken by…” or “Image taken from…” are attached. (If all photographs being displayed were taken by the Finalist or are from the same source, one credit line prominently displayed is sufficient.) c) They are from the Internet, magazines, newspapers, journals, etc., and credit lines are attached (If all photographs/images are from the same source, one credit line prominently displayed is sufficient.) d) They are photographs or visual depictions of the Finalist. e) They are photographs of human subjects for which signed consent forms are at the project or in the booth. (Human Subjects Form 4 or equivalent photo release signed by the human subject must be included in the paperwork and properly checked on the Official Abstract and Certification.)
4) Any apparatus with unshielded belts, pulleys, chains, or moving parts with tension or pinch points if for display only and not operated
5) Class II lasers if: a) Operated only by the Finalist. b) Operated only during Display and Safety inspection and during judging c) Labeled with a sign reading "Laser Radiation: Do Not Look Into Beam." d) Enclosed in protective housing that prevents physical and visual access to beam. e) Disconnected when not operating.
6) Class III and IV lasers if for display and not operated
7) Any apparatus producing temperatures that will cause physical burns if adequately insulated.
Electrical Regulations at the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair
1) Finalists requiring 120 or 220 Volt A.C. electrical circuits must provide a UL-listed 3-wire extension cord which is appropriate for the load and equipment.
2) Electrical power supplied to projects and, therefore, the maximums allowed for projects is 120 or 220 Volt, A.C., single phase, 60 cycle. Maximum circuit amperage/wattage available is determined by the electrical circuit capacities of the exhibit hall and may be adjusted on-site by the Display and Safety Committee. For all electrical regulations, "120 Volt A.C." or "220 Volt A.C." is intended to encompass the corresponding range of voltage as supplied by the facility in which the Intel ISEF is being held.
3) All electrical work must conform to the National Electrical Code or exhibit hall regulations. The guidelines presented here are general ones, and other rules may apply to specific configurations. The on-site electrician may be requested to review electrical work on any project.
4) All electrical connectors, wiring, switches, extension cords, fuses, etc. must be UL-listed and must be appropriate for the load and equipment. Connections must be soldered or made with UL-listed connectors. Wiring, switches, and metal parts must have adequate insulation and overcurrent safety devices (such as fuses) and must be inaccessible to anyone but the Finalist. Exposed electrical equipment or metal that is liable to be energized must be grounded or shielded with a nonconducting material or with a grounded metal box or cage to prevent accidental contact.
5) Wiring which is not part of a commercially available UL-listed appliance or piece of equipment must have a fuse or circuit breaker on the supply side of the power source and prior to any project equipment.
6) There must be an accessible, clearly visible on/off switch or other means of disconnect from the 120 or 220 volt power source.
Maximum Size of Project at the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair:
30 inches (76 centimeters) deep 48 inches (122 centimeters) wide 108 inches (274 centimeters) high from floor to top of project
At the Intel ISEF, fair-provided tables will not exceed a height of 36 inches (91 centimeters).
Project must be positioned at the back of the booth and parallel to the rear of the booth.
Maximum project sizes include all project materials and supports. If a table is used, it becomes part of the project and may not itself exceed the allowed dimensions nor may the table plus any part of the project exceed the allowed dimensions.
At the Intel ISEF, any project with a component that will be demonstrated by the Finalist may be demonstrated only within the confines of the Finalist’s booth.
When not being demonstrated, the component plus the project may not exceed allowed dimensions.
Handouts/Official Abstract and Certification at the Intel ISEF
The Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee defines the "official abstract and cettification" as an UNALTERED original abstract and certification as stamped/embossed by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee. If the Scientific Review Committee requires a Finalist to make changes to the abstract and certification submitted with registration papers, the revised version will be stamped/embossed, will replace the earlier version, and will become the Finalist’s official abstract and certification.
The only abstract allowed anywhere at a project is the official abstract. The term "abstract" may not be used as a title or reference for any information on a Finalist’s display or in a Finalist’s materials at the project except as part of displaying the official abstract. An original stamped/embossed official abstract and certification must appear on the display board or in a vertical position at the project.
Handouts to judges and to the public must be limited to UNALTERED photocopies of the official abstract and certification.
Items Required to be Visible at the Project at the Intel ISEF
Note: All forms required to be visible must be vertically displayed. * Original Official Abstract and Certification as approved and stamped/embossed by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee * Completed Intel ISEF Project Set-up Approval Form SRC/DS2 (Received on-site at the Fair) * Registered Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) - if applicable * Continuation Projects Form (7) - if applicable
Additional Items Required to be at the Project But Not Displayed at the Intel ISEF
* Human Subject Forms (4) (or equivalent form provided by a registered research institution) for human subjects of the research, surveys, photographs, etc. (if applicable) are confidential information, must not be displayed, but must be available in the booth in case asked for by a judge or other Intel ISEF official. Human Subjects Form (4) or an equivalent photograph release signed by the human subject is required for visual images of humans (other than the finalist) displayed as part of the project. * Other forms [including, but not limited to, Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form (1), Research Plan (1A), and Approval Form (1B)] which are required for the project or for Scientific Review Committee approval do not have to be displayed as part of the project but must be available in the booth in case asked for by a judge or other Intel ISEF official.
General Intel ISEF Information and Requirements
1. No changes, modifications, or additions to projects may be made after approval by the Display and Safety Committee and the Scientific Review Committee.
2. A project data book and research paper are not required but are recommended.
3. The only acceptable informed consent form for use at the Intel ISEF is the official Human Subjects Form (4) in the International Rules for Precollege Science Research or an equivalent form provided by a registered research institution (see Form 1C) or, in the case of display of photographs only, an equivalent photograph release signed by the human subject. 4. Prior years’ written material or visual depictions may not be displayed on the vertical display board, except that the project title displayed in the Finalist's booth may mention years or which year the project is (for example, "Year Two of an Ongoing Study"). Continuation projects must have the Continuation Project Form (7) displayed.
5. Finalists using audio-visual or multi-media presentations (for example, 35mm slides; videotapes; images, graphics, animations, etc., displayed on computer monitors; or other non-print presentation methods) must be prepared to show the entire presentation to the Display and Safety inspectors before the project is approved.
6. No photographs or any other visual depictions may be included in any manner at a project or in the booth if they are deemed visually offensive or inappropriate by the Scientific Review Committee, the Display and Safety Committee, or Science Service. This includes, but is not limited to, visually offensive photographs or visual depictions of invertebrate or vertebrate animals, including humans. The decision by any one of the groups mentioned above is final.
7. If a project fails to qualify and is not removed by the Finalist, Science Service will remove the project in the safest manner possible, but is not responsible for damage to the project.
8. Any copies of disks, CD's, printed materials, etc. (including unofficial abstracts) designed to be distributed to judges or members of the public which are confiscated by the Display and Safety Committee will be discarded and will not be returned to the Finalist.
9. Project sounds, lights, odors or any other display items must not be distracting.
10. Project must be positioned at the back of the booth and parallel to the rear of the booth.
11. Finalists must be present at their projects for the Display and Safety inspection. The inspection is a process that takes place between the Finalist and inspector; therefore, no other persons should be present representing the Finalist beyond an interpreter if necessary.
12. Any project with a component that will be demonstrated by the Finalist must be demonstrated only within the confines of the Finalist’s booth. When not being demonstrated, the component plus the project may not exceed allowed dimensions
13. No food or drinks, except small containers of bottled water for personal consumption, are allowed in the exhibit hall.
