1. General Standards

1. Students may enter projects on any scientific, mathematical, or engineering subject. The exhibitor must be in grades 9-12 in any public, private, or parochial school in the Worcester Regional District. No distinction by grade is made in judging or granting awards. Projects may be the work of an individual student or a team. (See Team Projects below).

2. The actual notebook used in the process of doing experimental work must be an integral part of every project exhibit. Only bound notebooks are acceptable. If a team project, both members must keep a separate notebook.

3. No wall space will be available. Posters must be self-supporting. Participants must bring their own grounded extension cords, and power strips.

4. All projects will be inspected for safety hazards and participants will be required to modify their exhibits where safety precautions necessitate. Videotapes of demonstrations are preferable to actual demonstrations.

5. Exhibitors must provide their own tape, thumbtacks, stapler and any other necessary tools.

6. No display lighting is permitted and no running water is available

7. All exhibitors must display a Massachusetts Research Plan and accompanying consent forms where required.

8. Students are required to be at their projects until the safety check has been completed.

1. 2. Structural Standards and Safety

   1. The entire display must be confined to a maximum space of 122 centimeters (cm) wide X 76 cm deep X 198 cm above the table. Oversize projects will not be accepted. Fire laws prohibit occupying aisle space. All parts of the exhibit must be structurally sound and constructed of durable materials.

    

   3. Biological and Chemical Standards and Safety

   1. No vertebrates may be exhibited. Dissected animals or parts of animals (except teeth, hair, nails, and dried animal bones) may not be exhibited.

   2. No microorganism agents, e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi

   3. No hypodermic needles, syringes, razor blades, and other sharp items

   4. No chemical substances or instruments containing mercury, e.g. thermometers

   5. The only allowable liquids are water and saline

   6. No glass bottles and lab ware, either empty or containing any substance (must be replaced by break-resistant containers or placed in secondary non glass containers)

   7. No drugs, over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and vitamins

   8. Because of the fire and burn hazard, there must be no open flame, torch or burner in the display area

   9. No pressurized gases are allowed to be displayed

    

    

    

   4. Electrical Standards and Safety

   1. All exhibits that require an external source of electricity for operation must be designed for a standard 110-125 volt AC supply.

   2. The power supply cord for the electrical apparatus must be no longer than six feet and must terminate in a three-pronged outlet (exception: lap top computers). All power supplies and electrical equipment must be grounded and connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

   3. No exposed wires, switches, joints, or noninsulated fasteners will be permitted.

   4. Antenna lines and long leads cannot be used.

   5. Wet-cell batteries with open tops are not permitted. Closed-cell or dry-cell batteries are permissible.

    

   5. Team Projects

   1. Teams should consist of no more than three students. Each team should appoint a team leader who will coordinate the work and may later act as spokesperson. However, each member should be able to serve as spokesperson, be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all aspects of the project.

   2. The team should jointly submit one research plan (outlining each person’s task) and one abstract.

   3. Team projects will be evaluated using the same rules and judging criteria as individual projects.

   4. Team projects are eligible for awards at the Regional Fair and can compete in the State Fair.

    

   6. Logistics

   1. Participants should remain at their exhibits until notified that judging has been completed.

   2. The Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair and WPI will not be responsible for articles lost or stolen.

   3. Non-compliance with any rules of the Fair is cause for disqualification of the exhibitor.

   4. For further information or project approval contact the Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair Board.

Nancy G. Degon