Conditions of Entry

1. Exhibitors must submit their entry information to the school science fair coordinator before 25 July 2008. The entries (maximum 20 per school) must be made through the Entry Form on the Science Fair web site before 11:59pm on July 25 2008.
2. General enquires or requests for permission to use dangerous chemicals (see Rule 9 below) should be addressed to the Chairman using the contact form on this web site.
3. All exhibits must be the work of the exhibitor(s) only. Advice may be sought from any source and special components (eg, transformers, glassware etc,) may be purchased. The major construction must, however, be your own. The Judges will give credit for simplicity of design and ingenuity. Exhibits containing a high proportion of purchased components will not necessarily be considered favourably.
4. Competitors should prepare their exhibit on a stand, as a complete, self-contained unit. No parts may be attached to tables or walls or floor.
5. The base of the exhibit may not exceed 1.200 x .750 metres.
6. Competitors must be ready to install their exhibit in the position allocated as instructed at registration on set-up day. The prize giving will be on Saturday August 23 at 1:00pm. Your entry will need to be removed promptly after the prize giving.
7. Each exhibit must be labelled by the competitor with the competition number and the brief description title (as on the entry form). A brief explanation of the object of the project is to be attached in a prominent place. This should also state which part of the exhibit or of the work done was completed by someone other than the exhibitor(s) or was purchased. Exhibitors are requested to check carefully not only the spelling of anything they write, but also the accuracy of their statements. Both types of error will be taken into account by the Judges. All explanations should be in bold lettering, legible from say, one and a half to two metres away. (Competition numbers will be supplied at the Fair).
8. An exhibit that has been awarded a prize may not be re-entered in any subsequent Science Fair.
9. Competitors must abide by the rules of the competition.

Criteria for Judging

Scientific Thought & Understanding (30 Points)

The exhibit demonstrates clear scientific thought, the application of appropriate scientific methods, an appreciation of the need for accuracy in observation, measurement, data collection and reporting; and an understanding of the underlying or related scientific principles embraced within the project.

Technical & Graphic Skill (15 Points)

The project has been assembled with skill and dexterity, equipment, models and the frame of the project have been well constructed; graphic materials have been carefully prepared and presented, living plants and animals have been well cared for, working parts are reliable; and the whole is well planned and neatly finished.

Originality (25 Points)

In the selection of a topic or statement of the problem, uniqueness of approach, resourcefulness in obtaining and interpreting data, ingenious use of illustrative objects, inventive apparatus, insight conclusions, or inspired applications of the principles, process or product.

Thoroughness & Effort (15 Points)

The work which has gone into a Science Fair project is reflected in the scope of the topic, the scale of the investigation, the detail obtained, the extent of the results, the repetition of the experiments, the construction of the project and its illustrative items, written material and other displays.

Presentation (15 Points)

The exhibit is well designed and developed to be attractive, visually interesting, informative on all aspects of the investigation, well illus­trated with photographs, models, specimens or samples; and with wide public appeal.

Competition Rules

Projects which do not comply with these rules may be disqualified.

1. Competitors are limited to students from schools within the Wellington/Hutt Valley area currently registered on the school roll studying at Years 7 to 13.
2. Construction must be durable with movable parts firmly attached and safe.
3. Any exhibitor requiring mains electricity must be provide a suitable cord 5 metres long and a 3-pin plug, which must be constructed to comply with standard electrical safety laws.
4. Exhibitors using mains electricity are recommended to use a suitable isolating transformer, or a current limiting device, to supply power to their exhibit. These devices give an extra margin of safety.
5. Where 100 volts or more are used, all wiring, switches, metal parts etc., must be completely enclosed by barriers to prevent any possibility of an observer being able to receive an electric shock.
6. Projects using voltages above 100 volts must be plainly labelled with a conspicuous sign stating the highest voltage being used. Such projects must be safe at all times and, if necessary, locked when unattended.
7. Any radio transmitter in working order must comply with Radio Regulations and be licensed by the Radio Frequency Service (Write to Ministry of Commerce, PO Box 31433, L. Hutt Phone 566-5537).
8. Nails, tacks etc. must not be used for securing wires, but proper insulators must be used.
9. Explosives must not be used, and dangerous chemicals (including strong acids) are not to be used in the exhibit without the consent of the Fair Committee. This must be obtained in writing, at least one month before the Fair.
10. Heating elements must be mounted on suitable non-combustible supports so that there is no possibility of a fire starting in the exhibit.
11. No direct water supply is available. All exhibits using liquids of any kinds must be leak proof or stand in a leak proof tray
12. No direct gas supply is available. An exhibitor desiring to use gas should seek permission from the Fair Committee to use any arrangement for supply of gas (eg, cylinders). Gas is to be supplied by the exhibitor.
13. Biological experiments should conform with health & safety guidelines. (refer to Ministry of Education Safety and Science)
14. It is the responsibility of exhibitors to see that the areas immedi­ately surrounding their exhibit, and where the exhibit stands, are kept clean and dry at all times.
15. There are strict rules about the way any live animal may be used in a Science Fair project. These are governed by an Animal Care and Ethics Committee based at Victoria University. Advice from your school and committee should be sought before proceeding with an experiment involving animals.
16. The Committee reserves the right (a) not to display any exhibit, and (b) to with hold any prizes for which the judges consider an adequate standard has not been reached. The Committees decision in all matters is final.