RULES AND REGULATIONS

> General
> Project Display
> At the CSF
> Research Paper

General

1. Original work- Projects must represent original work done by the student(s); Students will be judged only on research completed since the last CSF and conducted over a maximum period of 12 months. Display boards should show the current year's work only. Continuing research must include previous year'(s) abstract(s) and research report(s), in a separate binder.
   
   
2. A research plan and other forms as specified by the International Science and Engineering Fair is required for all projects. The Connecticut Science Fair Research Plan must be submitted to the fair's scientific review committee with your registration form. In some cases involving life science projects and hazardous research, approval prior to starting the research is required.
   
   
3. High school students may compete in only one Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) affiliated fair, except when proceeding to a state fair from an affiliated regional fait as a finalist.

The purpose of the display is to show the results of an experiment, not to conduct the experiment. Leave items used in the experiment and props at home. Rely on your backboard and report to communicate the results and capture the judges’ attention. Use written reports, tables, graphs, and photographs to show equipment, its operation, and your results.

Students invited to orally represent their work during final judging may bring in apparatus they deem necessary for their discussions with judges. Such equipment must fit within the allocated display space and must comply with the fair’s regulations. It must be removed at the end of final judging. Electric power if previously requested will be provided for Final judging .

At The Connecticut Science Fair

1. Students must be present if chosen for finalist judging and award ceremonies. The only exception is religious observances and such exceptions as approved by the Fair Director. Written requests must be received by 6:00 P.M., Saturday, March 10. Email requests to director@ctsciencefair.org   Finalist project numbers will be posted at approximately 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.
   
   
2. No equipment (computers, oscilloscopes, video display terminals, playback devices, spectrographs, etc.) other than what is an integral part of a home-built apparatus will be allowed in the display during preliminary judging. No electric power will be available during preliminary judging.
   
   
3. An abstract and research report describing the student's work, procedures, data, results, and conclusions is required. (See Research Paper below)

> Display and Safety Regulations

Research Paper*
A research paper must be prepared and available along with a project data book, and any necessary forms or relevant written materials. A research paper helps organize data as well as thoughts. A good paper includes the following sections:

1. Title Page and Table of Contents
   The title page and table of contents allows a reader to follow the organization of the paper quickly. At the CSF your name may appear on the report. Do put your project number on the report after you receive it during registration.
   
   
2. Introduction
   The introduction sets the scene for your report. The introduction includes your hypothesis, an explanation of what prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve.
   
   
3. Materials and Methods
   Describe in detail the methodology used to collect your data or make your observations. For engineering projects, describe your goals and requirements. Your report should be detailed enough so that someone would be able to repeat the experiment from the information in your paper. Include detailed photographs or drawings of self-designed equipment. Only include this year's work.
   
   
4. Discussion
   The discussion is the essence of your paper. The results and conclusions should flow smoothly and logically from your data. Be thorough. Allow your readers to see your train of thought, letting them know exactly what you did. Compare your results with theoretical values, published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or expected results. Include a discussion of possible errors. How did the data vary between repeated observations of similar events? How were your results affected by uncontrolled events? What would you do differently if you repeated this project? What other experiments should be conducted?
   
   
5. Conclusion
   Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Never introduce anything in the conclusion that has not already been discussed.
   
   
6. Acknowledgments
   You should always credit those who assisted you, including individuals, businesses, and educational or research institutions. Identify any financial support or material donations received.
   
   
7. References
   Your reference list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e., books, journal articles). See an appropriate reference in your discipline for format.

*Adapted from Intel ISEF 2007 Student Handbook