Science Fair Important Dates and Info
IRB & Human Subjects Research
Forms and Documents
Responsible Research
Parts of a Project
100

When is your science fair meeting each week?

During your science class!

100

What does "IRB" stand for?

Institutional Review Board

100

Where should you document all of your work throughout your project?

In your logbook!!! 

100

True or False: It is okay to ignore minor safety rules if you feel confident in your skills. 

False

100

What is the introduction?

The section that explains the background information of your topic and why it is important. 

200

Where can you go to get advice from peers on your project?

Weekly work time on Mondays from 3:05 - 4:00 pm in the ISEF office! Please sign up on the Google Doc posted on Google Classroom if you plan on attending.

200

True or False: All ISEF projects involving human subjects must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before the experiment begins.

True!

200

When is form 1B due?

It was already due, turn it in ASAP!

200

What should you do if your project results contradict your hypothesis? 

Still report your results honestly and accurately. Unexpected results are still valid, and judges want to hear about these things. 

200

What is the Research question/Engineering goal?

This is the specific question or goal your experiment/design is trying to solve or improve. 

300

When is the district science fair award ceremony?

March 12

300

What type of consent is required from participants under 18 years old in human subjects research?

Parental Consent

300

When is the research plan due?

November 3rd!

300

What form of acknowledgment is required when someone (a mentor) helps you with your project?

Credit needs to be acknowledged in a section on your poster board.

300

What is the hypothesis?

This is the statement that predicts the outcome of your project based on prior knowledge and is made before you begin to test. 

400

When is the district science fair interview day?

March 11th!

400

What type of risk must be assessed by an IRB when reviewing a human subjects research project?

The level of physical, psychological, or emotional risk to the participant

400

When is the grant application due? 

At the end of the day on December 5th!

400

How should you handle confidential data from human subjects?

Keep it private and store the information; only report it in anonymous forms. 

400

What is the materials and methods/procedures sections?

This part of your project lists all the equipment and the steps you took to complete your project. 

500

What if my project requires buying materials?

ISEF students who need to buy materials are requested to pay the first 50 dollars and then have the opportunity to apply for a grant posted on Google Classroom. 

500

Why would the IRB not approve a project?

-The risks to subjects outweigh the potential benefits

-Informed consent procedures are inadequate

-The selection of participants is inequitable

-The study poses risks that are not minimized or necessary

(etc)

500

When are the ISEF Honor Cord and Volunteer Hours due? (Just for SENIORS)

April 26th!

500

What are the ethical considerations when working with vertebrate animals in a project? 

Ensure humane treatment and minimize as much pain/stress as possible. Try to use alternative methods when possible as well as be sure to obtain all necessary approvals. 

500

What is the Discussion section?

This section interprets your data, explains any patterns, and evaluates whether your hypothesis was supported by your data. 

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