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.

Get Project ID table pdf

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.

Dominion's Millstone Power Station  Physical Sciences Awards- Dominion Millstone Power Station 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 Xerox
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 Xerox Foundation.

Computer Science Awards
For projects which deal with computer architecture or software development directed towards better computers and software. The Fair is seeking sponsorship for this category.

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.

CT Clean Energy Fund Energy Awards

For projects that address concepts in clean renewable/sustainable energy.

Goodrich Awards for Excellence In Engineering

For projects in the disciplines of electrical, mechanical, electro-optical, and optical engineering.

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

The United Illuminating Company Awards for Future Sustainability

The United Illuminating Company recognizes energy, engineering, and environmental projects that investigate ways to insure the future sustainability of the planet.

eesmarts/CT Energy Efficiency Fund   Sustainable Resources and Practices Awards

Includes projects that address energy, engineering and the environment. These projects should aim to find practical solutions to our world's sustainablity by investigating ways that individuals and communities can use bahavior change, efficiency enhancement technologies, and energy/business/policies to maintain global sustainability.

I-SWEEEP The International Sustainable World Project Olympiad

Presents an all-expense paid trip to compete in I-SWEEEP 2008, Houston, TX April 15–20 to the top individual senior high category of the Sustainability Awards category and the middle school winner of the Sustainable Resources and Practices Category. Trophy winners will receive invitations to compete for finalist opportunities.

United Technologies Corporation Awards for Excellence In Science & Engineering
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.