1. In addition to the forms you downloaded already from the Rules Wizard, you will also need to download and complete the two additional forms below.

   • Photo Release Form 

   • Hold Harmless Agreement

2.  Rename, organize the documents and upload to Google Drive.

   • Make sure all forms are labeled with the appropriate form number first, then last name and first name. Example: Form3B.SmithJohn

   • Organize all completed documents for all team members in a google drive folder labeled "SmithJohn" (Use team leaders name).

     • Team leader should create the folder using google docs and share access to that folder with all team mates.

     • Make sure access to this folder is NOT RESTRICTED to any group in particular and can be shared via link. Select "anyone with link".

3. Fill out the forms.

   • • All team mates must sign and have parent/guardian sign the following documents.

       • • Approval Form 1B

         • Photo Permission Form

         • Hold Harmless Form

4. You will submit all registration documents at one time. REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE RULES WIZARD YOU COMPLETED AND YOUR RESEARCH PLAN!

5. The Abstract document is NOT submitted BEFORE experimentation. The Abstract should be submitted AFTER you have completed your project, and submitted before the fair begins. 

Abstracts are due AFTER you have completed your experiment, and before the fair begins (the first week in March). You may upload your abstract to your Google folder at anytime after experimentation but no later than March 1st. Need help writing an abstract? Click here. 

Submit your documents and register here.

Deadlines:

Deadline for projects requiring pre-approval: December 31, 2025

Deadline for receipt of all required project paperwork for pre-approval by the Scientific Review Committee (SRC.) Pre-approval is required for projects involving vertebrate animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA, tissue, pathogenic agents, or controlled substances. You must have advance approval of your project application from the SRC prior to experimentation. If in doubt, please submit the project research plan and required paperwork for the SRC review.

For projects requiring pre-approval, if there are any changes to procedures or experimental design after receiving pre-approval, projects are to be resubmitted for pre-approval if it alters the Risk Assessment Form 3.

Deadline for ALL other projects: January 30, 2026 

Projects NOT requiring pre-approval must be reviewed and approved by the SRC after experimentation and before competition at the Contra Costa Science Fair.

Projects conducted at a Regulated Research Institution, industrial setting or any work site other than home, school or field and which were reviewed and approved by the proper institutional board before experimentation, must also be approved by the Scientific Review Committee.

Any project that makes major changes after approval must re-submit for approval. 

If you’re not sure whether you should re-submit for approval, please contact Amy Kerns, communityoutreach@ba-leeds.org.

Final deadlines
For all projects not needing SRC approval, the deadline to submit your project application is January 30, 2026. If you require SRC approval, the deadline is December 31, 2025.