Rules

    The SSTFI utilizes the rules set by the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

    Projects – Individual or Team

    Projects can be entered by individual students or by a team of 2 to 3 students.  This is applicable to all divisions.

     

    Research Plan

    • A research plan is an overview of your project and what you are planning to do.  It will help you to determine your goals, materials needed and the tools and equipment you will need.
      • Strongly recommended to complete before starting your project – it will save you a lot of time!
      • Make sure your research plan in written in great detail.

    Display Board (all students)

    The State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa utilizes the International Science & Engineering Fair Display & Safety Regulations, for full regulations see the International Rules and Guidelines.

    Display and Safety Checklist used by our Display and Safety team during the fair.

    Project Size

    • Elementary: May not exceed 30” deep x 36” wide x 108” height
    • Junior: May not exceed 30” deep x 36” wide x 108” height
    • Senior: May not exceed 30” deep x 48” wide x 108” height

    Display Stand

    • Your display is representing your project – make it look nice!
    • All displays need to stand on their own and not fall over or lean against another display.

    Electrical Regulations

    • Electrical devices must be protectively enclosed.
    • Energized wiring, switches and metal parts must have adequate insulation and over-current safety devices (e.g., fuse).
    • An accessible, clearly visible on/off switch or quick means of disconnecting power

    Forms / Images / Credits

    • List photo and image credits
    • Photo release for images of finalist and others
    • No acknowledgements, self-promotions or endorsements
    • No commercial logos
    • Form 1c must be displayed if applicable to a project (only for projects at a Regulated Research Institution)
    • Form 7 must be displayed if applicable to a project (only for projects that are a Continuation)

    Items / Materials Not Allowed

    • Living organisms, including plants
    • Glass or glass containers
    • Soil, sand, rock, cement or waste samples
    • Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals
    • Food or liquids (including water)
    • Plant materials
    • Human / animal parts or body fluids
    • Hazardous substances or devices (poisons, drugs, weapons, dry ice)
    • Items that may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals
    • Sharp items (syringes, needles, pipettes, knives)
    • Flames or highly flammable materials
    • Batteries with open-top or wet cells
    • 3D Printers
    • Any apparatus with belts, pulleys, chains or moving parts without appropriate shielding around pinch points
    • Any item deemed distracting (sounds, lights, odors, etc.)

    What to Include

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Display Slides (Seminars 6-12 grade)

    Slides are used once you have been selected to present a seminar.

    • Font and Font Size
      • Minimum: 14 pt.
      • Recommended: 18 pt.
      • 10 pt. may be used for figure captions or photo credits.
      • Use a readable font like Arial, Times New Roman or similar.
    • Videos are not allowed to be embedded into the document.

    Forms / Images / Credits

    • List photo and image credits
    • Photo release for images of finalist and others
    • No acknowledgements, self-promotions or endorsements
    • No commercial logos

     

    SRC + SSTFI-EZ Forms

    Ways to determine what forms you need:

    Want to look at all forms – ISEF Forms