F.A.Q

Why should i do a science fair project?

Watch this video.

Day of the Fair

How long does the Fair last?

In past years, the Fair was 6 hours from beginning to end.  It will depend on the number of projects, participants, and judges.  Please expect the majority of your day to be required for the fair.  See the Science Fair schedule.

Where will the Fair be held?

Black River Middle School
133 North Rd
Chester, NJ 07930

When do I arrive to set up my project?

You must arrive to set up your project between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. This will assure that you have sufficient time to set up your project prior to judging. Judging will begin at 9:30 AM.

Do I need a chaperone?

Yes, all children require a chaperone for the day.  The Fair is not a drop-off event.  

When can I take my project home?

We ask that you keep your project up for display until the end of judging because judges often need to revisit projects while compiling their scores.

If you must leave, please make arrangements to leave your project in place and pick it up after judging ends.

All projects must be picked up by 2pm.  All projects remaining at the school after 2pm will be discarded.

Who can attend?

The fair is open to anyone.  Please understand that there is limited parking.

I'm hungry.  Will there be food?

Food is provided to judges and staff only.  

Pomptonian food service will be available for on-site purchases from 10am-1pm. CASH ONLY!

You may also bring your own food to the fair.  

Projects

How much space can I have to display my project?

You will be given table space of 36" wide and 30" deep. If you need more space or any other space requirements you must specify this when you register your project. Extra space will not be given on Fair day.

Can I do a project with friends or siblings?

Project Teams from grades K-2 can have a maximum of three students, comprised of grade K-2 students.  

Project Teams from grades 3-5 can have a maximum of three students, comprised of grade 3-5 students.  

If team members are in different grades, the project will be judged at the highest grade level represented on the team.

Project teams from grades 6 - 8 can have a maximum of two students, and team members must be in the same grade.

What is the Scientific Method?

Click here for more information.

What should my display look like?

Your display should be interesting and eye catching. Use pictures and diagrams to illustrate your work on a poster display. Present your title prominently. Be sure to include the purpose of your project, your hypothesis, and the procedures followed as well as your data, results and conclusions. Take the time to develop an exhibit that is indicative of the effort you put into your research. Samples, demonstrations, models, experimental equipment, etc. should be exhibited where possible. These can be displayed on the table in front of your presentation board. See Project Guidelines for more information.

Safety

Can I bring animals to the Fair?

No.  You may not bring live animals to the Fair. You may use photographs on your presentation board. Live animals used in projects should, in all cases, be treated humanely and subjected to minimal stress. No project involving mistreated, injured, sick or dead animals will be allowed to exhibit at the Fair.

Can I have access to electricity at the Fair?

If you intend to use any electrical circuit (wall outlet or battery powered), you must indicate this when registering your project online.

Are there any restrictions to the kinds of chemicals I can bring to the Fair?

Review our Safety Rules. You MUST NOT bring: explosive, flammable, corrosive or highly poisonous substances, armed rockets or their propellants, or cylinders or compressed gases into the exhibit area. All other substances must be shielded in such a way that maximum protection is provided for spectators, neighboring exhibits and yourself. If you intend to bring ANY chemicals at all to the Fair, you must indicate this when registering your project online.

What kinds of things could disqualify my project?

Projects will be scrutinized on the day of the Fair for compliance with Safety Rules, and may be disabled or even rejected due to violations.

Project Registration

How do I register my project?

Projects may be registered on the registration form.

If I have partners on my project do we both need to register?

Yes, each student must register separately. However, only the first student has to define the project - the others can simply join the already defined project.  We need to know how many students will be attending the Fair so we can order enough ribbons and other awards.

What if my project partner changes after I’ve registered it?

The partner that is dropping out of the registered project can go to the Project Registration button in the Family Portal and make the change.

What is the deadline for submitting my project registration?

The exact deadline varies per year and will be published on the website home page, but registration normally ends in mid-February.

Will I be allowed to enter the Fair if I forget to register my project?

You must register your project by the deadline - there are no exceptions. The Fair takes a lot of planning, including: space planning, project location assignments, judge assignments and times, Special Award assignments and times, and medal and ribbon counts.

What should I do if I am unable to attend the Fair, after I have registered my project?

Let us know as soon as possible, even the night before the Fair. Email Us!

Judging

How much time will be allotted to judge my project?

In 2023, this will depend on the number of projects and the number of judges.

Can parents watch my presentation to the judges?

Of course!  We only ask that they stand back and not participate in the evaluation process. The judges are interested in your knowledge of your experiment.

Can I see the judging scoresheet ahead of time?

Samples of the judging scoresheets can be viewed on the Science Fair website. See Sample scoresheets.

Do I have to be present at the time of judging?

Preferably yes, the judges may need to speak to you in order to effectively evaluate your project.  However, we understand that you may need to leave for personal reasons.  You may leave your project to be judged without you, but the judges will not have your personal explanation to help them understand your project.

Click on judging criteria for things the judges will be looking for.

All projects must be picked up by 2pm.  All projects remaining at the school after 2pm will be discarded.

Who are the judges that will judge the projects?

We are still seeking volunteers for judging!  Please use the link for Judge Registration.

Can I see the judges’ scoresheets after the Fair?

Maybe.  2023 is a rebuilding year for the Fair after a 2-year hiatus.  We have not worked out all of the details yet, so please be patient and understanding as all of the volunteers are new.

I'm hungry.  Will there be food?

Food is provided to judges and staff only.  A food service will be available for on-site purchases, and you may bring your own food to the fair.  

Awards

When is the Awards ceremony?

Immediately following the conclusion of the judging, we will recognize the winners for grades 3-8 in an Awards Ceremony.

How many medals and ribbons are awarded each year?

In 2023, this will depend on the number of projects and participants.

Will projects in grades K-2 be given awards?

Yes, all of these participating students receive a participation award.  The participation awards will be given during judging.  Participants in grades K-2 do NOT need to stay for the awards ceremony.

Will there be any Special Awards given this year?

This is still a work in progress for 2023.  See Special Awards for the latest updates.

miscellaneous

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Email us at sciencefair@chester-nj.org

Are there any websites that could help me?

Here are some suggestions. See Resources for some examples.