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Rules and Guidelines

Rules and Guidelines

  1. Individuals or groups may submit projects. Participants in group projects may be no more than one grade level apart. To be fair to all students, group projects cannot be judged against individual projects and therefore, are not eligible for High Honors distinction.

  2. Table top display space will be provided for you. Your project must fit within a space measuring 36” wide and 30” deep and may not exceed the edge of the table. Wall space for posters or securing projects is not available. Use self-supporting project boards to display necessary information. These are available from local stores or you can make one of your own. If necessary, your project may only be secured to the display table with tape provided by the Science Fair Team. Check with us at drop-off before taping it down.

  3. You will not have access to electrical wall outlets.

  4. If your project features water and it leaks, it will be emptied.

  5. Although parental guidance and support are encouraged, this is a kids' event. Use the assistance of a parent only when age appropriate and necessary. The young scientist should be doing the project work.

  6. Either a KWL chart or the written results of your use of the scientific method should accompany each project. An explanation of these is available on our website, www.wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us/pespta. It is up to you to decide which option is most appropriate for your project. If you choose not to do this, you may lose points during the judging process.

  7. Projects MUST be brought to school on the designated drop off date between the afternoon hours of 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm or evening hours of 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Projects cannot be transported on school buses.

  8. No live animals are permitted.

  9. Molds must be completely enclosed at all times.

  10. Materials and construction must be durable. Project design should accommodate the safety of little fingers and avoid small unattached pieces attractive to younger children.

  11. All exhibits with batteries should have extra on hand to ensure occasional operation throughout the day. Remember, the judges won't see your project until the afternoon of Science Fair day.

  12. Extra materials and expendable supplies should be left with the Science Fair Team at drop-off in a container clearly labeled with your name, grade and teacher. Do not leave them with your project or under its table.

  13. Students must not bring any explosive, flammable, or poisonous materials to the Science Fair. Acids, caustics, corrosives, other chemicals or substances not normally allowed in school cannot be displayed. Instead, use models or photographs.

  14. Because of fire and injury hazards, there can be no burners or open flame in the display area.

  15. After a project is inspected for compliance with these rules, no changes beyond repair are permitted. Projects not in compliance due to safety reasons may be displayed for exhibit only at the discretion of the Science Fair Team and will not be part of the competition.