Rules

EXPERIMENTAL RULES

https://cusef.byu.edu/competition-overview/rules/experimental/

The Central Utah STEM Fair is an affiliate of the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair and as such we are required to abide by the experimental rules they have established. These rules were developed to help pre-college student researchers adhere to federal regulations governing professional scientists and to, therefore, protect the welfare of the test subjects and the student researchers.

MOST COMMON DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Bacteria, mold, fungi, viruses/parasites, human or animal fresh tissue, blood or bodily fluids MUST be performed in a BSL1 lab or above as required. Culturing bacteria, mold, fungi or other hazardous agent CANNOT be cultured at home, doing so is an automatic disqualification. Contact us via email for help coordinating a lab space, admin@cusef.byu.edu

Ethics Statement

Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Such practices include plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs or the Intel ISEF.

Rules

Rules for all projects
International Rules and Guidelines FAQ

Experimental Rules for Human Subjects
Based upon the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46), the definition of a human subject is a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data or samples through intervention or interaction with individual(s), or (2) identifiable private information. These projects require IRB review and pre-approval and may also require documentation of written informed consent/assent/parental permission.

Experimental Rules for Vertebrate Animals
Vertebrate animals, as covered by these rules, are defined as live, non-human mammalian embryos or fetuses, tadpoles, bird and reptile eggs within three days (72 hours) of hatching, and all other non-human vertebrates (including fish) at hatching or birth.

Experimental Rules for Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices
These rules apply to research that involves the use of hazardous chemicals, devices and activities. The rules include substances and devices that are regulated by local, state, country, or international law, most often with restrictions of their use by minors such as DEA-controlled substances, prescription drugs, alcohol and tobacco and firearms and
explosives. Hazardous activities are those that involve a level of risk above and beyond that encountered in the student’s everyday life.

These rules are intended to protect the student researcher by ensuring that the proper supervision is provided and that all potential risks are considered so that the appropriate safety precautions are taken. Before beginning research involving hazardous chemicals, activities or devices, be sure to check with your school, local, or regional fair as more strict rules and
guidelines may be in effect.

Experimental Rules for Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
The use of potentially hazardous microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids is allowable under the conditions set forth by the rules. All of these areas of research may involve potentially hazardous biological agents and require special precautions.

Experimentation involving culturing of potentially hazardous biological agents, even BSL-1 organisms is prohibited in a home environment. However, specimens are allowed to be collected at home as long as they are immediately transported to a laboratory with the appropriate level of biosafety containment.

Classification of Biological Agents Risk Groups

BSL-1

The BSL-1 risk group contains biological agents that pose low risk to

personnel and the environment. These agents are highly unlikely to

cause disease in healthy laboratory workers, animals or plants. The

agents require Biosafety Level 1 containment. Examples of BSL-1

organisms are: Escherichia coli strain K12, Agrobacterium tumifaciens,

Micrococcus leuteus, Neurospora crassa, Bacillus subtilis.

BSL-2

The BSL-2 risk group contains biological agents that pose moderate

risk to personnel and the environment. If exposure occurs in a

laboratory situation, the risk of spread is limited and it rarely

would cause infection that would lead to serious disease. Effective

treatment and preventive measures are available in the event that an

infection occurs. The agents require Biosafety Level 2 containment.

Examples of BSL-2 organisms are: Mycobacterium, Streptococcus

pneumonia, Salmonella choleraesuis.

BSL-3

PROHIBITED

This risk group contains biological agents that usually cause serious

disease (human, animal or plant) or that can result in serious

economic consequences. PROHIBITED

BSL-4

PROHIBITED

This risk group contains biological agents that usually produce

very serious disease (human, animal or plant) that is often

untreatable. PROHIBITED

Levels of Biological Containment

There are four levels of biological containment (Biosafety Level 1 – 4).
Each level has guidelines for laboratory facilities, safety equipment and
laboratory practices and techniques.

BSL-1

BSL-1 containment is normally found in water-testing laboratories, in

high schools, and in colleges teaching introductory microbiology

classes. Work is done on an open bench or in a fume hood. Standard

microbiological practices are used when working in the laboratory.

Decontamination can be achieved by treating with chemical

disinfectants or by steam autoclaving. Lab coats are required and

gloves recommended. The laboratory work is supervised by an individual

with general training in microbiology or a related science.

BSL-2

BSL-2 containment is designed to maximize safety when working with

agents of moderate risk to humans and the environment. Access to the

laboratory is restricted. Biological safety cabinets (Class 2, type A,

BSC) must be available. An autoclave should be readily available for

decontaminating waste materials. Lab coats, gloves and face protection

are required. The laboratory work must be supervised by a competent

scientist who understands the risk associated with working with the

agents involved.

BSL-3

PROHIBITED

BSL-3 containment is required for infectious agents that may cause

serious or potentially lethal diseases as a result of exposure by

inhalation. PROHIBITED

BSL-4

PROHIBITED

BSL-4 containment is required for dangerous/exotic agents that

pose high risk of life-threatening disease. PROHIBITED.

DISPLAY AND SAFETY

https://cusef.byu.edu/competition-overview/rules/display-safety/

Project display board can be no larger than 30” deep, 48” wide (side to side), and 108” tall.

A display board and journal are the ONLY items allowed for display.

Optional: A small electronic device may be used to display photos or videos for the judges. Video is limited to 1 minute and must be approved by fair personnel.

Central Utah STEM Fair, and the participating school districts, reserve the right to remove any additional items displayed with your project.

Do NOT bring items from your experiment — take pictures of your experiment and include them on your board OR in your journal.

Please read the list, make any necessary corrections to
your project. In order to compete your project board must abide by these
rules. There will be no exceptions.

The Central Utah STEM Committee reserves the right to remove anything displayed at a project that may—at their sole discretion—be deemed hazardous or inappropriate for public display.

When creating your display board, do not include the following:

Living organisms, including plants in any form
Taxidermy specimens or parts
Preserved animals — including embryos
Food (Only exception: empty containers may be secured to the display††)
Human or animal parts/tissues or fluids †
Soil/dirt, sand, or waste samples
Laboratory or Household chemicals—including water
Poisons, drugs, hazardous substances or devices, weapons
Sharp items —including glass
Flames or highly flammable materials (No matches)
Empty tanks that previously contained combustible liquids or gases
Batteries with open-top cells
Recognizable photographs of people, other than yourself or your family—unless you have their written consent
Photographs or other visuals of dead vertebrate animals or vertebrate animals in surgical techniques, dissection, other lab techniques or improper handling methods
Awards, medals, business cards, flags, phone numbers, fax numbers, addresses or lists of personal accomplishments

† You may display: teeth, hair, fingernails, and dried animal bones.
†† Empty containers are permitted for display.