Below you will find the details that explain the different age categories, project classifications, project divisions, etc. Please refer to the FAQ page for answers to other common questions.
Scroll down below to request teacher/coordinator access in order to register your students.
An EXPERIMENT is a procedure designed to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. Example: It is hypothesized that heat flows slower through lighter-density polystyrene than higher-density polystyrene so an experiment is designed to measure this and results are presented.
A STUDY takes existing data (for example, from books or research papers on a particular topic) and analyzes then presents it. Example: The insulation values of various materials used to save energy on heating is researched from various sources and presented. Analysis might include why values presented vary between sources quoted (for example, the density of the material in each source might have been different).
An INNOVATION applies a scientific principle or apparatus in a unique way to create a new device or method. Example: An innovation which applies known scientific principles (e.g. heat flow) to save energy in a way not previously employed. Perhaps formulating a new type of insulating foam which uses known principles such as incorporation of bubbles of gas with insulating properties.
The study of animals (vertebrates and invertebrates)
For example – animal development, animal ecology, animal genetics, animal pathology, animal physiology,
The science or study of the thought processes and behaviour of humans and other animals in their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental methods
For example – clinical & developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, physiological psychology, sociology, anthropology,
The science of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems
For example – analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, general biochemistry,
The study of information processes, the structures and procedures that represent processes and their implementation in information processing systems
For example – networking & communications, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, software engineering, programming languages,
The study of science related to the Earth and anything in the universe beyond the Earth
For example – climatology, weather, geochemistry, geology, petrology, mineralogy, paleontology, geophysics, landforms, tectonics, astronomy, cosmology,
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, processes, and systems. The study of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport and alternative fuels
For example – bioengineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, aerodynamics, alternative fuels, fossil fuel energy, vehicle development, renewable energy,
The study of pollution sources and their control, ecology and conservation
For example – air pollution, soil contamination, water pollution, bioremediation, ecosystems management, environmental engineering, land resource management, forestry, recycling, waste management,
The study of the measurement, properties and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. The deductive study of numbers, geometry and various abstract constructs or structures
For example – algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, geometry, probability &statistics, algorithms,
The science of diagnosing, treating or preventing disease and other damage to the body or mind
For example – dentistry, pathology, nutrition, protein & food chemistry, epidemiology, human genetics, immunology,
The study of microorganisms and antibiotic substances
For example – antibiotics, antimicrobials, bacteriology, microbial genetics, virology,
The science of matter and energy and the interactions between the two
For example – biological physics, instrumentation & electronics, electromagnetism, nuclear & particle physics, optics, lasers, theoretical physics,
The study of plant life
For example – agriculture, plant development, plant ecology, plant genetics, plant physiology, horticulture,
With the increasing availability of online resources, we recognize that the internet is a resource however we strive to uphold Academic Integrityat our regional fair. The following are examples of academic integrity violations that are grounds for disqualification:
Listed here are the descriptions of the four levels of complexity for the three categories of projects. Students aiming for maximum competitive success in the regional fair should aim to devise projects at the fourth level of complexity. So in other words if you would like to be successful at the fair, be creative and aim for a level 4 project!! In addition, make sure to follow all the rules and regulations, and you’re sure to do well at the Fair! For more information, see the “Rules and Regulations” page.
Certain basic restrictions must be followed to ensure the safety of all science fair participants, judges and visitors. Failure to follow the following regulations will result in disqualification of projects and participants during the screening of applications and during the set up registration evening. If in doubt about the safety features of a project, students are advised to contact the Rules, Regulations, and Ethics Chair at nrsef.rulesnregs@gmail.com well in advance of the fair. Photographs of materials and procedures can be used effectively to represent the steps and materials used in any scientific experiment or study. Photographs can be displayed on the project backboard or in a photo journal.
For more information please see the Project Display And Safety Rules & Regulations page.
An important aspect to your application is your project abstract. The purpose of an abstract is to describe the entire project in one or two short paragraphs. Abstracts are required for all projects and the ability to condense information is a lifelong skill which can be applied to many situations. A very handy guide to writing abstracts can be found here Writing an Abstract.
For more information, please visit the Project Screening page.
To request teacher or coordinator access please submit the required information and someone from our registration committee will get back to you with the information on how to proceed.
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