Below are answers to some frequently asked questions for parents:
Parent FAQs
General Information
Can I help my child with their project?
Some assistance can be given, however each project should represent the ideas and work of the child.
I don’t have a science background, how can I encourage my child to complete a science fair project?
Science fair projects are just as much about learning how to develop a question, predicting what is going to happen, experimenting and developing conclusions as it is about the science itself. Encourage your child to ask questions and use the many resources available.
What is Academic Integrity?
With the increasing availability of online resources, we recognize that the internet is a resource however we strive to uphold Academic Integrity at our regional fair. The following are examples of academic integrity violations that are grounds for disqualification:
1 – Plagiarism – presenting the work of others as your own, without acknowledging the source. Scientific work includes scientific results, conceptual development of a topic, or substantive formulation or reformulation of a problem. This includes work done by a family member or a mentor. Information on how to properly cite references can be found on the Youth Science Canada website (www.youthsciencecanada.ca in Policy 3.1.2.4 CWSF Project Report).
2 – Fabricating or falsifying data.
3 – Forging signature(s)
4 – Fabricating or falsifying registration information.
5 – Entering a project which is derived from a previous NRSEF or CWSF project (continuation or revision of a project undertaken in a preceding year by the student or by another) without documenting the previous work.
Registration
My school does not have a science fair, what is the process for my child to compete at the NRSEF?
Please contact our registration committee for more information.
My child is homeschooled and would like to participate in your fair, what is the process for registration?
The Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair is open to all students in the Niagara area in a grade equivalent to Grade 5 – 12. Home schooled students are encouraged to contact the registration committee for more information.
What category is my child in?
Projects are organized by age category. These categories are: JUVENILE (grades 5 and 6), JUNIOR (grades 7 and 8), INTERMEDIATE (grades 9 and 10), and SENIOR (grades 11 and 12).
Weekend Events
Can I stay with my child throughout the fair?
There will be times when the fair is open to the public (See schedule), however during judging no parents are allowed on the floor.
Can I be there while my child is being judged?
No, the judges need to have one-on-one time with the student(s) while judging.