When

The 2010 District Science Day (DSD) and the 22nd Southeastern Ohio Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SEORSEF) will be held simultaneously on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Where

Ohio University
Athens, Ohio

• Exhibition and judging of student projects: 8 am - 12:30 PM, Clippinger Laboratories Lobbies

• Awards ceremony: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Auditorium 201, Morton Hall

Eligible participants

Students from schools in the following counties in Ohio:

• Athens

• Gallia

• Hocking

• Jackson

• Meigs

• Morgan

• Ross

• Vinton

Grade 5 to 12 students in the above counties are expected to participate in their school district's local science fair or academic fair held in the above counties. Only students who receive a superior rating at their local science fair or academic fair can apply to enter our DSD and SEORSEF.

The following applies to all students from home schools, virtual schools, public schools, and private schools that do not have a local science fair or academic fair held in one of the above counties. Students who are legal full time residents of one of above counties and who attend schools that do not have local science fair or academic fair may send their entry application packages directly to our fairs. They must include a copy of their complete research report. We pre-judge the written research report of all projects that have not been judged superior at a school science fair or academic fair held in one of our 8 counties. We may require proof of residency and age if necessary.

DSD is for students in grades 5 to 12. Students who will reach age 21 on or before May 1, 2010 are not eligible.

SEORSEF is for student in grades 9 to 12. Students who will reach age 21 on or before May 1, 2010 are not eligible.

What kind of projects?

Research projects of individual student or teams of two students in 13 fields:

1. behavioral science (psychology)

2. biochemistry

3. botany

4. chemistry

5. computer science

6. earth/space sciences

7. engineering

8. environmental science

9. mathematics

10. medicine and health

11. microbiology

12. physics

13. zoology

Students with interdisciplinary projects such as forensic chemistry, gerontology, smoking, nutrition, and material sciences, should pick the closest area of emphasis of their project. Using the information in the abstract and the research plan, we may change the field of judging of a project. The first judges may also recommend that a project be re-judged in more than one area.

Five Simple Steps to Start Your Research Project

In the following steps, the rules and forms are in the Intel ISEF 2010 International Rules & Guidelines of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Click on the highlighted Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to view, print, or download the 2010 rulebook, the 4-page student handbook, and all the ISEF forms you may need. There are other aids to comply with ISEF Rules by clicking on the highlighted ISEF Student Primer. Two useful features are: (1) ISEF Rules Wizard. This "wizard" ask a series of questions about your planned project and will provide a list of forms that you need to complete, and (2) Common SRC Problems. This list was generated from the SRC (The ISEF Scientific Review Committee) reviews leading up to the Intel ISEF. Read these to get pointers on what NOT to do.

1. Finds a research topic. Be observant all the time and ask questions of what you observe: What, What for, how, who, why, which, when, where, etc. Almost any question you ask can be a research topic. Scientists have made great discoveries from their observations and questions. Not all your questions can be studied at the moment. But you only need one question that you can answer by your own research. I recommend that you keep a secret journal of your observations and questions with their dates. Add your thoughts as you find answers to your questions, either through your own research or from research by others.

2. Search for references. When you have a question, you need to do a search of published researches that may have already answer your question or are related to your question. You may need references to the method you propose to use. Even if your question has been answered, you can still do your research if you use a different method, a homemade device, or if you have reasons to think that the question may have a different answer. The most reliable primary references are researches published in "Peer reviewed journals". Primary implies original research. Peer reviewed means that experts in the field reviewed the paper before its publication. Your school library and all Ohio public libraries have free computer access to a research database called "Academic Research Premier (EBSCO HOST)" for searching articles published in peer-reviewed journals. You can get the complete text and references of some articles, and only the abstracts of others. If the complete text of an article is important, we can help you find the complete article on the Ohio University Library system. You need a minimum of five such references.

3. Write a research plan that includes (a) Question (or Problem) being addressed, (b) Hypothesis (or Engineering goal), (c) Detailed description of method or procedure, including data analysis. (d) Bibliography of 5 or more primary references. The words in parentheses in items (a) and (b) are often used for engineering projects. See the instructions on how to write a research plan that come with the Student Checklist (1A) form. Then complete the Student Checklist (1A) form without entering the actual start date and actual end date.

4. Find an adult sponsor: a teacher, parent, or other adult with knowledge on the research problem. The adult sponsor will use the Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1) form to review with you your completed Student Checklist (1A) and research plan. He will used items 4, 5, and 6 on ISEF Form 1 to tell you if your projects need other forms besides form 1A and 1B and you must secure additional signed and dated approval before you can start your experiment.

5. Complete form 1A and 1B and other required forms and approval before you can start experiments. Hint: To reduce errors and simplify the above process, don't date forms 1, 1A, and 1B until all requirements have been met. Then date forms 1 and 1B before the actual starting date on form 1A. If your project requires other ISEF forms, be sure all these forms (except form 1C) are dated before the actual starting date on form 1A.

   Form 1C is required for research conducted in a regulated research institution, industrial setting, or any work site other than home, K-12 school, or field. Form 1C is supposed to be prepared, signed, and dated by the research supervisors at these sites after the research is completed. See ISEF Rules or form 1C for instructions.

Science Day Standards

General Standards for Science Day incorporating all actions of the Junior Academy Council as of September 2009, can be viewed by clicking on Science Day Standards. Please refer to the Science Day Standards for information on District and State Science Days not covered in the following descriptions.

Display Presentation

The Rules on Displaying Projects approved by the Ohio Junior Academy Council will apply to all exhibitors during the 2010 DSD, SSD, and SEORSEF.

The finalists chosen to participate in the 2010 Intel ISEF can modify their displays after the State Science Day or prepare a new one for the ISEF which allows a larger display and additional items according to the INTEL ISEF Display and Safety Regulations on p. 6-8 of the 2010 International Rules of Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Click on the highlighted Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to order, view, print, or download the 2010 rule book, the student handbook, and all the ISEF forms you may need.

For all students:

• Displays at District and State Science Days are strictly poster format only. Each project shall have only one light-weight, usually tri-fold, single-sided poster for table top display. The display is not to exceed 91 cm (3ft) wide, 75 cm (30 inch) deep, and 1.2 m (4 ft) high from the table top. Each table furnished by the District or State Science Days will be shared by two projects. Free-standing floor exhibits are not permitted.

• Each poster should only display appropriate information such as the title of the project, the name of the student (two names for a team project), an abstract, data tables, diagrams, charts, photographs, and graphs. "Poster format only" means that no physical objects can be used in the display and in the oral presentation. Physical objects such as samples of materials, model, instruments, and products of your research, etc., can only be shown by photographs or drawings. If you include the actual physical objects in your poster, your research notebook, your research report, or your abstract, or bring any such physical objects into the exhibition space, your project will be disqualified.

• Contact information such as postal, web, and e-mail addresses, and telephone and fax numbers are allowed for the exhibitor only.

• The only photographs or visual depictions of identifiable or recognizable people allowed are photographs of the exhibitor, photographs taken by the exhibitor (with written permission of individuals received), or photographs for which credit is displayed (such as from magazines, newspapers, journals, etc.)

• Project research notebooks and a folder containing research reports, research plans and documentation of research protocols (including ISEF forms) are expected to be on the table in front of the poster.

• No 110V AC will be available at 2010 DSD, SEORSEF, and SSD.

• Battery-powered computers may be used only for simulation, modeling, or animation integral and essential to the project results or data display and not for general Power-Point presentation.

• Absolutely nothing else is allowed at a display.

• Nothing else is allowed in the exhibition hall except personal clothing, billfold or handbag (for money, cards, or keys only), medication you must take, and bottled drinking water. These items should not be on your display table.

• You cannot use anything else not on display or not allowed in a display during the judging.

Suggestion on Photography

Since you are not allowed to bring anythig you have collected, used, or made in your experiment, you have to use photographs of these things in your presentation. Be prepared to photograph your experiment before you start because you may have to use photographs to show when a particular experiment was done or observation was made and how an object/experiment looks like at a given date or time. For example, you are watching the growth of a plant. Include in the photograph the date and time for chronology and a ruler for scale. Photograph instruments and apparatus you use in your research and how you operate them. If you design your own equipment, bring your drawing of your design and photographs of your equipment, its important details, the building, testing, and operation of the equipment. Learn to make close-up photographs of small objects. Learn to make photographs on the microscope since you are not allowed to bring the microscope or the slides.

Judging

A team of first judges, ideally composed of one K12 school teacher and one professional scientist or engineer will judge each project. The professional scientists or engineers are volunteers from Ohio University faculty, governmental agencies, and area industries. We expect each participating school to provide at least one judge for every five students. Special-award judges from Ohio University faculty and some prize-awarding agencies (such as U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy) and organizations will re-judge only superior projects for special prizes.

Entry fee

There is only one entry fee of $20 per student for both DSD and SEORSEF. Students in grades 9 to 12 will enter both DSD and SEORSEF with one fee. Each member of a team pays an $20 fee. Do not send cash. Please send check or money order payable to Ohio University.

Entry procedure

Each student must send a complete entry package. Each member of a team project must send a separate entry package, check the box before "Team Project" and write the name of the teammate in the space following the words "Team Project" on the 2010 Entry Form. A Microsoft Word version of the new 2010 Entry Form is available on-line. If you cannot use the on-line Word document, please contact the Director for a hardcopy form, at the address listed below.

All students from any school (including home schools) must have their entry packages and entry fees sent in one package, by a teacher, guidance counselor, talented-and-gifted program (TAG) director, local science fair director, or other responsible school administrator, in one package, to reach the Director of DSD/SEORSEF no later than February 19, 2010, at

Dr. James Y. Tong, Director of DSD/SEORSEF
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
136 Clippinger Laboratories
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701-2979

If your proposed local fair date is too close to February 19, 2010, please send by e-mail immediately to Dr. Tong, your fair date, the estimated number of projects from your school may enter the DSD / SEORSEF, and when and how you propose to deliver the entry package to Dr. Tong.

The entry fee may be submitted in one check or money order, or in separate checks or money orders.

The school package must include a School Information Form (blue form) which must list names of judges and the contact person and their email addresses. Any relative of one or more students participating in the DSD / SEORSEF is not allowed to serve as a judge or volunteer and is not allowed to enter the judging headquarters and judging area between 9 AM till the end of all judging. Please send at least one judge for every five entries. A minimum of one judge is required if the number of entries does not exceed five. No entry will be accepted without the completed blue school information form and judges. A Microsoft Word version of the School Information Form is available on-line. If you cannot use the on-line Word document, please contact the Director for a hardcopy form, at the address listed above.

If the students have participated in a local science fair or academic fair at their schools, we expect the school to send us only students who have received superior ratings at the local fairs. A local fair may include schools in one or more school districts of the county.

Students whose schools do not have a local science fair or academic fair in their legal residence in one of the eight counties of our District 12, may submit their entries, including one complete research report for each project, to the DSD/SEORSEF, if a teacher or other responsible administrator of each school will send all the entries from that school in one package with a completely filled out blue school information form, including a minimum of one judge if the number of entries does not exceed five, to reach Dr. Tong no later than February 19, 2010. If there are more than five entries from a school, the one judge per five entries rule will apply. Students who are attend public or private schools located in our 8-county District should contact their school teacher or administrator before they start their project if their projects (1) utilize school facility or people (such as using classmates or other school adults as subjects) or (2) may require prior approval of a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) .

Each home school should use a uniform home school name that begins with the first and last name of one parent or guardian followed by "Home School". For example, for children of Jack and Jill Hill who are home schooled, their school name can be either Jack Hill Home School" or "Jill Hill Home School". The names of both parents or guardians will be given in publicity release without the made-up name of your home school.

Entry Package

All students in grades 5 to 12 are required to have the following items arranged in the order given below. The same order is also given in the checklist after the parent/guardian's signature line on the 2010 Entry form. Send the original signed copies of the 2009 Entry form and the OAS Consent and Release agreement. Send only the photocopies of all signed numbered-ISEF forms, research plan, and abstract and keep the originals to bring in a folder on the day of the District Science Day, the State Science Day, the International Science & Engineering Fair, and the Middle School Program competition of the Society for Science and the Public. The numbered forms below are ISEF forms in the 2010 International Rules.

• A fee of $20 by check or money order if each student pays her/his own fee. If the fees of all the students are paid by one check, attach the one check to the school information form.

• A 2010 Entry Form of the Southeast District Science Day (DSD) & the 21st Southeastern Ohio Regional Science & Engineering Fair (SEORSEF) completed legibly in black ink with legible printed names and signatures of the student and a parent or a guardian. Do not use the 2009 or older entry form. Students of a team project must check the appropriate space and write the full name of their teammate. A student doing a continuing project must check the appropriate box and attach a complete form 7 and the previous year's form 1A, abstract, and research plan. Choose a project title carefuly. Avoid vague or cute project titles and trick names. The project title should be succinct and descriptive of the project, and reflect the research objective or question. The project title should enable the reader to determine what was studied in the project. Often colonated titles work well for student research projects. Colonated titles use one to five short, attractive words first, followed by a colon and an added descriptive phrase. Any entry without a title or with a title that exceeds a total of 60 letters and spaces will not be accepted.

• A "Consent and Release Agreement" of the Ohio Academy of Science completed and signed by the student and by the parent or guardian of the student. A Microsoft Word version of the Consent and Release Agreement Form is available on-line. If you cannot use the on-line Word document, please contact the Director for a hardcopy form, at the address listed above.

• A "Checklist for Adult Sponsor Form 1" completed, signed, and dated before experimentation begins.

• A completed Student Checklist form 1A. Each team member will fill out a separate form 1A with his or her name as the team leader and the teammate as a team member. At DSD we regard each member of a team as equal partners and expect them to contribute equally to the project and to know the project thoroughly. Do not fill in you actual start date of your first experiment until all other ISEF forms (except form 1C) have been signed and dated because you cannot start the first experiment until form 1, 1B and all other required ISEF forms (except form 1C) have been signed and dated. Pay attention to research sites in items 7 and 8 when you plan your research. Read the 2010 ISEF Rules thoroughly on the pages in parentheses on restrictions on research sites for certain types of experiments with Vertebrate Animals (p. 17-20), Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (p. 21-24), and Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, or Devices (p. 25-27).

• A research plan on 8.5 x 11 inch plain white paper, single spaced, typed in black ink, computer printed in black in legible fonts no larger than 12 points (fonts such as Times New Roman, New Courier, etc., no bold, fancy, italic, or script fonts), or legibly handwritten in black. Place the research plan after form 1A. Do not attach to the Form 1A. Do not photocopy on the back of Form 1A. Do not include in your entry package page 31 of the International Rule titled "Research Plan Instructions". This page is a guideline on the format of a research plan, what information to be included, and how they are to be included. The following instruction is based on this guideline.

  The research plan must include the following, with only one blank line after each of the listed item:

  • Title of your entry, your full name, your school and city, state (on three lines, no blank line in between).

  • Question being addressed (or project objective for some engineering, computer science, mathematic, or theoretical projects).

  • Hypothesis (or criteria of success if you use project objective above).

  • Description in detail of method or procedures. The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY and ALL RESEARCH PLANS. Required for All Projects: (a) Procedures: Detail all procedure and experimental design to be used for data collection. (b) Data Analysis: Describe the procedure you will use to analyze the data that answer your research question or hypothesis.

  • Bibliography (to be placed at the end of the research plan): From your library research, list at least five major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, and internet sites) with complete citations. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose one citation style and use it consistently for the citation of all your references. Guidelines for citation can be found under "instructions to authors" in any peer reviewed research journals in the field of your research. Hint: Use the style used of the reference cited by the author(s) of your most important reference from a peer-reviewed research journal.

  • You must follow the detailed guidelines in the "Research Plan Instructions" on p. 31 of the 2010 International Rule if your research involves one or more of the following: (1) Human subjects, (2) Vertebrate animal, (3) Potentially hazardous biological agents, and/or (4) Hazardous chemicals, activities and devices.

• If the research plan is significantly changed, attach an amendment of the research plan signed and dated before the start of the change in plan. For researches that require prior approval of Scientific Review Committe (SRC) and/or Institutional Review Board (IRB), the amendment must also have the prior approval of the SRC and/or IRB on the appropriate forms 1B, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A. If the original research plan required a designated supervisor and/or a qualified scientist and forms 2 and/or 3, they may also have to refill forms 2 and/or 3.

• An Approval form 1B signed and dated before the start of the first experiment. Each member of a team must complete a separate form 1B. Item 1 is required of ALL project. The boxed item 2a is required for projects that require prior approval of your school's local Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) signed and dated before experimention. Boxed item 2b is for research conducted at Regulated Research Institutions with no prior fair SRC/IRB approval. Box 2b requires the attachments of form 1C (signed and dated after the completion of experiments) and institutional approvals (e.g. IACUC, IRB) signed and dated before the experiment begins). Leave item 3 blank for approval by the SRC of the SEORSEF before competition at our SEORSEF on March 6, 2010.

• Form 1C signed and dated after experimentation, if required.

• If required, Form 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and or 7 signed and dated before experimentation.

• An abstract of 250 words or less (not counting the title, your name, and your school name and city), single spaced, on one sheet of 8.5 x 11 in plain white paper, typed in black ink or computer printed in black in legible fonts no larger than 12 points (fonts such as Times New Roman, New Courier, etc., no bold, fancy, italic, or script fonts), or legibly handwritten in black. The abstract should begin in 3 separate lines: (1) the title of your project, (2) your full name, and (3) your school, city, and state. Follow the above by the 250 words or less text in one paragraph (no indentation, no headings, and no breaks into different paragraphs) that includes

  • the purpose of the experiment

  • procedure or method used

  • data and any calculation and analysis

  • conclusions

  • (optional) any possible applications of your research

• The abstract should focus on work done by the student, during the current fair-year (research done over a maximum, continuous 12 months period between January, 2009 and March, 2010). The abstract should not include acknowledgements, or description of work and procedures done by others, including this project's mentor. Only minimal reference to previous work may be included.

• The research plan is to be written and approved before experimentation and includes a bibliography of your references. It should not include data, data analysis, results, conclusion, and discussion. The abstract is a succinct summary of what you have done in your research. It is written after the conclusion of the experimentation and analysis of the data. It should not include lengthy review of other's work, acknowledgement, and bibliography The two documents have different purposes and different formats, and must not be combined into one document in the entry package.

• All numbered forms from 1 to 7 mentioned above and below are 2010 ISEF forms. Do not use older forms. More detailed descriptions can be found in the 2010 International Rules book of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Click on the highlighted Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to order, view, print, or download the 2010 International Rule book, the 2010 Student Handbook, or any or all the required forms. The printed copies of the International Rules booklet are no longer sold. Encourage your students to use the on-line version now.

• Additional forms required for certain projects (additional to Forms 1, 1A, and 1B that is required of all projects): A brief summary of such forms are given on ISEF Form 1 and on the bottom part of our 2010 Entry Form with reference to the pages in the Intel ISEF 2010 International Rules, the final authority. Students planning to do projects that involve Human Subjects (p. 13-16), Vertebrate Animals (p. 17-20), Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (microorganisms, recombinant DNA technology, or human or animal fresh tisues, blood, or body fluids on p. 21-24), and Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices (p. 25-28) should read the indicated pages of the 2010 International Rules to learn what kinds of research are allowed or not allowed, which additional forms are needed, the permitted site for certain research, and precautions and safeguards must be exercised for certain research. For online assistance in determining what additional forms you might need for your project, try the Intel ISEF Rules Wizard by clicking on the highlighted Intel ISEF Rules Wizard to visit the ISEF Rules Wizard.
  • Student research conducted completely or in part in a registered research institution (e.g., universities, medical centers, NIH, correctional facilities, etc.), industrial setting, or any work site other than home, school, or field, a form 1C must be completed by the adult supervising the student research at the described sites (not the Adult Sponsor or the student) after the experimentation. Student research projects dealing with human, subjects, vertebrate animals, or potentially hazardous biological agents require review and approval by an institutional regulatory board (IRB/IACUC/IBC). Copy of approval(s) must be attached, if applicable. This is the only form signed and dated after the completion of the experimentation. This form and attached approval(s) by IRB/IACUC/IBC must be displayed with your project and shown to the judges.

  • All projects involving hazardous substances, activities, or devices require the direct supervision by a Designated Supervisor or a Qualified Scientist who is experienced in working with such substances and devices and is well trained in the safe handling of such substances or devices. The Designated Supervisor or Qualified Scientist must complete, sign, and date Forms 2 and Form 3 before experimentation. Risk Assessment Form 3 is to be completed by Student Researcher in collaboration with Designated Supervisor/Qualified Scientist and portion of which is to be completed and signed by the Designated Supervisor (or qualified Scientist, when applicable). See page 25-27 of the 2010 Internationl Rules for more detailed information on when a Qualified Scientist is required.

  • Projects experimenting with human subjects at the student's school or home require prior approval of a school Institutional Review Board (IRB) which must sign and date Forms 1B and 4 before experimentation begins. (1) If IRB decides that informed consent is required, (a) the adult subjects or (b) minor subjects and their parents or guardian, must sign an Informed Consent Form before experimentation begins. Use copies of the Sample Informed Consent Form on page 37 of International Rules or one developed by the student researcher in consultation with the Adult Sponsor, Designated Supervisor, or Qualified Scientist. (2) If IRB decides that a Qualified Scientist is required, the Qualified Scientist must complete, sign and date form 2 before experimentation begins. See pages 13-16 of 2010 International Rules for more details.

  • Projects experimenting with the following material or subjects require prior approval of a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) on form 1B before experimentation begins. The SRC must also decide if (a) a qualified scientist and/or (b) a designated supervisor is/are required. If so, Form 2 must be signed and dated before experimentation begins.
    • Vertebrate Animals (Read pages 17-20 of 2010 International Rules). Additional forms & supervisors required: (a) form 5A for projects conducted in a non-regulated site. SRC approval is required before experimentation. SRC must indicate one of three choices of supervisors and have them sign and date on the same form 5A before experimentation. If a qualified scientist is required, he/she must also complete, sign, and date form 2 before experimentation. (b) form 5B for projects conducted in a regulated research institution. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ISCUC approval is required before experimentation and the ISCUC approval is attached to the form 5B. (c) A Qualified scientist signing and dating form 2 before experimentation is required for all vertebrate animal projects at a regulated research site or when applicable
    .
    • Potentially Hazardous Biologic Agents (Read pages 21-24 of 2010 International Rules). The potentially hazardous microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids is allowable under the conditions and rules on pages 21-24 of the International Rules.

      For projects involving potentially hazardous microorganisms: If the adult sponsor is not trained in microbiology, a qualified scientist who has been trained in microbiology should supervise the student's research. Together they will complete the risk assessment on form 6A. Projects with Biosafety Levels (BSL) 3 or 4 are not allowed for pre-college students. Projects with BSL 2 must be conducted at a BSL-2 or above laboratory. Projects with BSL-1 must be conducted at a BSL-1 or above laboratory. The proposed project must be reviewed by Science Review Committee (SRC) before the experimentation. The project must also be reviewed by IACUC or IBC of the institution that houses the appropriate BSL level laboratory before the experimentation. The qualified scientist must complete, date, and sign a form 2 before the experimentation. The scientist who supervise the experiment at the Institute will complete, sign, and date a form 1C after the completion of the laboratory work at the Institution. See page 21, Items 5 and 6 that prohibit the studies of certain antibiotic resistant microorganisms. See page 21 Item 13 for the type of studies with microorganisms exempt from prior SRC review. See page 22, Item A. Additional Rules for Projects Involving Unknown Microorganisms.

      See page 22, Item B additional Rules for Projects Involving Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technologies and Item C Additional Rules for Projects Involving Tissues, Body Fluids, including Blood and Blood Products. Both types of research require forms 6A and 6B and qualified Scientist or trained Designated Supervisor and form 2. See page 23, Item 10 for types of tissue that do not need to be treated as potentially hazardous biological agents.

  • For ALL projects involving Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, and Devices, the student researchers and adult sponsor must read pages 25-27 of the 2010 International Rules and Guidelines and follow the Rules for ALL Projects Involving Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices and the Additional Rules for Specific Regulated Substances such as (A) DEA-controlled Substances, (B) Prescription Drugs, (C) Alcohol and Tobacco, and (D) Firearms and Explosives.

  • All forms except 1C must be completed, signed, and dated before experimentation begins.

  • Your local IRB or SRC must consist of a minimum of three persons. In order to eliminate conflict of interest, the Adult Sponsor, Parents of the student, the Qualified Scientist, and the Designated Supervisor who oversee a specific project must not serve on the IRB or SRC reviewing that project. The members of your local IRB and SRC should have a copy of the 2010 International Rules and be familiar with their roles described on pages 11 to 12 and the rules and resources on pages 13 to 27. Additional expertise: If the IRB or SRC needs an expert as one of its members and one is not in the immediate area, then documented contact with an external expert is appropriate and encouraged. A copy of the correspondence (e.g. email, fax, etc..) should be attached to the appropriate form and can be used as the signature of that expert.

    • The local IRB must include (a) an educator, (b) a school administrator (preferably a principal or vice principal, (c) and one of the following who is knowledgeable and capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk involved in a given study: a medical doctor, physician's assistant, registered nurse, a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed social worker, or licensed clinical professional counselor.

    • The SRC must include a biomedical scientist (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., or D.O.), an educator, and at least one other member familiar with the field of the project being examined. Many projects will require additional expertise to properly evaluate (for instance, extended knowledge of biosafety or human risk groups.) If animal research is involved, at least one member must be familiar with proper animal care procedures.

  • Please contact the Director for assistance if you have not worked with an IRB or SRC or if your school does not have an IRB or SRC. Prior Approval means approval of the research, with signatures and dates before experimentation begins.

Recognition and Prizes

Tentative List

For students in grades 5 to 12

• Each participant whose project is judged will receive a certificate.

• All participants receiving a superior rating will be re-judged for special prizes.

• Departmental prizes in the 13 fields from science departments in the College of Arts and Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the College of Health and Human Services, and the engineering departments of the College of Engineering & Technology. Prizes may consist of cash or savings bonds from $10 to $100 or more, books, certificates, plaques, and/or subscriptions, etc.

• American Chemical Society-Upper Ohio Valley Section awards: magazine subscriptions and certificates.

• Ohio Soybean Council awards: 3 awards of $100 each for grades 7 to 12 for best projects in soybeans.

• Ohio Water Environment Association (OWEA) awards on water pollution abatement: savings bond and certificate.

• Ohio Governor's Award for Excellence in Student Research. One certificate in each of the following areas:
  1. Agriculture and Food Sciences Research
  2. Biotechnology Research
  3. Energy Research
  4. Environmental Sciences Research
  5. Litter Prevention and Recycling Research
  6. Manufacturing Sciences Research
  7. Material Science Research
  8. Water Resources Research
  9. Information Science & Technology Research
  .

• Best Biological Science Project Award: trophy, cash, and certificate.

• Best Physical Science Project Award: trophy, cash, and certificate.

• Female students in 7th grade who receive a superior rating at DSD may receive a scholarship to attend the Buckeye Women in Science and Engineering Research (B-WISER) program at the College of Wooster in the summer of 2010. Prize to be confirmed.

• Students whose entries receive Superior Ratings may be eligible to participate in the State Science Day (SSD) of the Ohio Academy of Science on May 8, 2010, at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. In this case, a team project is counted as one entry. The 2010 quota for our Southeast District Science Day (District 12) are 37 finalists and 10 alternates for grades 7 to 12 and 5 finalists and 15 alternates for grades 5 and 6.

  If the number of superior entries in grades 7 to 12 exceeds 37, all the superior entries will be ranked by points received and by class (12th graders first, 11th graders second, etc.) The 37 highest ranked entries will be eligible to apply as SSD finalists. The next ten (10) ranked entries are eligible to apply as alternates. If some of the finalists choose not to apply, the alternates who apply will attend as finalists until the spaces for finalists are all filled.

  This is the first year that 5th and 6th graders can attend the SSD. If the number of superior entries in grade 5 to 6 exceeds 5, all the superior entries will be ranked by points received and by class (6th before 5th grade). The 5 highest ranked entries will be eligible to apply as SSD finalists. The next 15 ranked entries are eligible to apply as alternates. If the number of superior entries in grades 7 to 12 is less than 37, we can use the unfilled quota as finalists for grades 5 and 6 superior entries. If some of the 5 finalists in grades 5 and 6 choose not to attend, the alternates in grades 5 to 6 who applied can attend the SSD.

For students in grades 9-12 (some are also available for students in lower grades if the grade level is not specified by the award giver organization.)

• Two students in grades 9-12 with the best projects in Southeastern Ohio Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SEORSEF) will be selected to attend the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Reno, Nevada, all expenses paid for 6 days from May 9 to 14, 2010. The students will be accompanied by the Director as the Adult in Charge. Three other adults (parents or teachers of the winners) may attend at their own expense.

• American Meteorological Society award: 2 certificates. Winning projects should be limited to the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

• American Psychological Association award: 1 certificate. Winner must be entered under the category of Behavioral Sciences. APA provides its own scoring guide/rubric for this award.

• ASM International Foundation, Most Outstanding Exhibit in Material Science: medallion and certificate recognizing the winner of the best materials engineering project in each regional fair. ASM provides five criteria for the award.

• Association for Women Geo-scientists award: 1 certificate for a female student whose project, in the opinion of the judge, exemplify high standards of innovativeness and scientific excellence in the geosciences. In the event of a tie or winners of a team project, an extra certificate may be requested.

• Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award for a student in grade 9-12: $200 and certificate to the top first place winner of the Computer Science category.

• Mu Alpha Theta, a certificate in recognition of an individual or a team project from grades 9-12, demonstrating the most challenging, original, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving mathematics accessible to a high school student. This project does not necessarily have to be entered in the Mathematics category. Mu Alpha Theta provides its own selection criteria.

• National Society of Professional Engineers Innovative Engineering Award of a certificate and a lapel pin for the most outstanding engineering project for students in grades 7-12. NSPE provides five criteria for the award.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration "Taking the Pulse of the Planet" Award of a NOAA Medallion and a certificate will go to one individual (middle or high school) selected from among all categories whose research emphasizes NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation's economic, social, and environmental needs. NOAA provides its own award judging guidelines.

• RICOH Sustainable Development Award for an individual or a team project selected from among all the 14 award categories whole principles and technical innovations offer the greatest potential for increasing our ability to grown environmentally friendly and socially responsible businesses.

• Society for in Vitro Biology award: a certificate and a letter of congratulations for a most outstanding 11th grade student exhibiting in the areas of plant or animal in vitro biology or tissue culture. The winner's achievement will be included in the society's newsletter on the website http://www.sivb.org

• U.S. Air Force awards: prizes to be announced

• U.S. Army awards: for students in grade 9-12. 5 certificates of achievement and tangible rewards (i.e. day pack, calculator), one each in the following areas: Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. 1 bronze Army medallion for the best of the five recipients.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Service award: One outstanding student project will be selected to receive an award certificate signed by the Surgeon General. The award-winning project will creatively illustrate and expand on Surgeon General's challenge on all Americans, especially children and youth, to be physically active everyday, eat healthy foods in healthy portions, stay away from tobacco, and practice prevention and safety.

• U.S. Metric Association award for the best use of SI units: a certificate for a project in grades 9-12. USMA provides a judging guide.

• U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps: 2 certificates, 2 medallions, and 2 gift certificates for grades 9-12. 2 certificates and 2 medallions only for lower grades.

• Water Environment Federation, Stockholm Juior Water Prize for the best water-related project. 1 certificate, advancement to the State competition.

• Yale Science and Engineering Association award for a 11th grader with an outstanding project in computer science, engineering, chemistry or physics: a medallion and a certificate to be sent directly to the winner. In addition, it is possible that the recipient will be contacted by a local Yale Club of Association and invited to an annual or special meeting for further recognition and publicity of his/her achievement. The award acceptance must be submitted online.

Teacher recognition

One or more teachers may be recognized as the Outstanding Science Teacher of District 12.

School awards

One Trophy for Schools with the Highest Percentage of Superiors will be given in each of three categories: Elementary Division (5-6 grades), Junior Division (7-8 grades), Senior Division (9-12 grades). To qualify for this competition, a school must have five or more judged individual projects in a division and all the projects received a rating of good or better. (cash prizes to be confirmed.)

James Tong modified this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/scifair/2010.htm) on November 2, 2009.

Please E-mail any comments or suggestions to scifair@www.ohiou.edu.