FAIR CATEGORIES

Regular Fair Categories
The fair has two major divisions, the Life Sciences and the Physical Sciences. Each division is further divided by grade with a additional categories for team projects.

Life science projects include behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, botany, environmental sciences, medicine and health, microbiology and zoology. Physical science projects encompass chemistry, computer science, earth and space sciences, engineering, mathematics and physics. The top four students of the high school regular fair categories, excluding teams, go on to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Grades 7 & 8 team projects are limited to 2 students. The Grades 9-12 Team category is limited to a maximum of three students. Grades 9-12 team projects at the CSF are not eligible for International Science and Engineering fair competition.

Awards will be presented in each of the ten regular fair categories: the number of awards is determined from the number of entrants in the category and generally range from 10 to 20. The two top finalists of grades 9-12 Physical and Life Science categories win all-expense paid trips to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Regular Awards Program Sponsors
Pfizer Life Sciences Awards- Pfizer provides cash awards for top winners and recognition plaques for all regular awards Life Sciences finalists.

Connecticut Science Center Physical Sciences Awards with eeSmarts/CEEF- Connecticut Science Center with eeSmarts/CEEF provides cash awards for top winners and recognition plaques for all regular awards Physical Sciences finalists.

Special Categories
Projects at the fair are also considered for awards in special categories. Projects are selected for these categories by special judging panels. Consideration for these awards is separate from the regular fair judging.

Barnes Aerospace Applied Technology
For projects applying technology to demonstrate a practical solution to a stated problem or by creating a functionally interesting use of technology.

ATOMIC Mathematics Awards - with support from Webster Bank
For projects demonstrating the application of mathematics or theoretical mathematics. The category is conducted by the Associated Teachers of Mathematics In Connecticut with major support from Webster Bank.

Xerox Computer Science Awards
For projects which deal with computer architecture or software development directed towards better computers and software. Category is sponsored by Xerox starting in 2007.

Audubon Connecticut/Arch Chemical Environmental Science Awards
For projects in environmental science and observational behavioral studies of animals in the environment. Conducted by Audubon Connecticut with support from Arch Chemicals Inc.

Dominion Millstone Power Station Energy Awards

For projects that address concepts in renewable/sustainable energy. 2008 is the second year that Dominion has sponsored this awards category.  Related to this category and sponsored by Dominion is a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student who pursues a career in the energy field.

Young Scientist Challenge (YSC)
YSC is a national science competition created by Discovery Communications, Inc. to encourage the exploration, understanding and communication of science among the next generation of America’s youth. Winners at CSF receive invitations to compete in the prestigious nationwide YSC where students are awarded a trip to Washington, DC to compete for scholarships.

Quinnipiac University Scholarships
Quinnipiac University selects one middle school and one high school student to receive a four year scholarships valued at $20,000.

eesmarts Sustainability Awards

eesmarts (CL&P and United Illuminating) recognizes projects that investigate ways to insure the future sustainability of the planet.

I-SWEEEP The International Sustainable World Project Olympiad will present an all-expense paid trip to compete in I-SWEEEP 2008, Houston, TX May 2–4 to the top individual senior high category of the Sustainability Awards category. Trophy winners will receive invitations to compete for finalist opportunities.

Society for Science & the Public Middle School Awards Program presents invitations to CSF's middle school trophy winners to compete in the SSP Middle School Competition where students are awarded a trip to Washington, DC to vie for scholarships.

United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corporation provides up to 8 awards of UTC common stock and a plaque. Criteria include innovation, topics of special interest to UTC and overall excellence in science and engineering.

Special Awards
There are more than 180 special awards presented by >eighty professional societies and businesses in a wide variety of subject areas. The selection and evaluation of projects for the special awards are made by a team of judges acting for the organization sponsoring the award.

Ribbons
Regular and special awards will be noted by ribbons placed on the projects. >What do the ribbons mean?

Recognizing that the projects at the Connecticut Science Fair represent the best from their school or local fair, relative rankings within the fair are further noted by:

Certificates of recognition will be sent to the exhibitor's school before the end of the school year.