UO Science and Invention Fair

Rules & Guidelines

All projects must represent the sole original work of the author(s).  Plagiarism (representing the ideas of others as your own) is strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to seek advice and information from others, but they must make all important project decisions and collect and analyze data.  Students may utilize adult assistants in carrying out potentially dangerous or difficult activities.  

Acknowledge all sources. Each presentation must have an acknowledgment section which identifies all source materials (including expert advice and individuals who provided substantive assistance).  Any citation format that provides enough information for fair organizers to locate the original information source is acceptable.

Responsible research conduct. Researchers must behave in an ethical fashion in all aspects of research.  

Human Subjects - If human beings are to be the subject of the project, students must obtain consent prior to the experiment.  If children are to be research subjects the student must obtain prior consent of a parent or guardian prior to the experiment.  Public observations (such as watching people in the park and recording behavior) do not require prior consent, but it is encouraged.  

Animal Use - If animals are to be used in research, students must design their experiments to ensure that animals are not subject to harm or undue stress. Presentations for projects using animals must include a section on how the project was designed to ensure ethical animal use.   For guidance on proper research animal use please (particularly vertebrate animals) consult ISEF guidelines.  A summary of these guidelines can be found at www.sciencebuddies.org.

Display guidelines. All entries must be displayed on a 36" x 48" cardboard display board.  Display boards can be purchased at area retailers and range from $4-$7 each.  The final display must stand up without human assistance.  

Samples with loose soil or other spillable materials should be securely sealed.  

Objects and inventions that need power cords require prior approval by the science fair coordinator.  A limited number of powered display spots will be available.  Display portable electronics at your own risk.  Fair coordinators cannot ensure protection against theft.

Items not allowed in the display: spillable liquids, hazardous materials, flames, unsecured glass ware, live animals, fungi, bacteria, deceased specimens with decay, anything potentially spillable and moving objects that present a hazard to people or other displays.  Use pictures of these objects instead. 

For advice on putting together a display board take a look at this site.  Any questions about displays should be directed to the science fair coordinator.  

Awards

Participants will be grouped into categories by grade.  Three students from each category will receive awards (1st, 2nd & 3rd) which consists of ribbons and certificates.  There will also be awards for honorable mention.

Questions

Questions should be directed to the science fair coordinator Jorjie Arden 541 346-4528 jarden@uoregon.edu