Paperwork

INITIAL STEPS (May be completed in any order as directed by your adult sponsor)

1.

2.

3.

Complete the ONLINE RULES WIZARD and save/print required forms.

Read each page and make selections carefully. The last page you encounter is called "Rules Wizard- Summary." Every hyperlink on this page is to a form that is required for your project. You will not need the "Official Abstract Form." First, save electronic copies of these forms or print them out. Do not complete the forms in your web browser, as the information likely will not save.

With help from your adult sponsor, fill in all forms and complete the PAPERWORK CHECKLIST. This checklist will serve as the cover page for your paperwork packet.

Generate a project plan using the RESEARCH PLAN FORM. Add your research plan into your paperwork packet after form 1A.

Save this file so that it can be edited later. Meet with your adult sponsor for suggestions.

FINAL STEPS

4.

5.

6.

Complete ONLINE PAPERWORK REVIEW to avoid common problems that delay approval.

Your adult sponsor may require that you do this. Upon completion, you will receive a receipt via email. Be aware that some school email accounts do not accept messages from outside of the district. In this case, choose a non-school email account or use your adult sponsor's email address.

Once completed and approved, participants should generate three copies of all forms in their paperwork packet:

    1. Student participant keeps original copies

    2. Adult sponsor keeps one copy for his or her records.

    3. Adult sponsor submits one copy to fair administrators.

All projects require parental and adult sponsor approval in advance. With help from your adult sponsor, determine whether your project also requires SRC approval in advance.

If you answer "yes" to any of the questions on the Paperwork Checklist (pictured below), your adult sponsor must bring photocopies of your paperwork to our scheduled SRC Meeting #1 in December. Students do not attend this meeting.

If you answer "No" to all questions above, submit photocopies of your paperwork to your adult sponsor and begin work on your project. He or she will bring your paperwork packet to our scheduled Paperwork Review Meeting in February. Students do not attend this meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Is paperwork the same as online registration?

    • No. Complete registration on the REGISTRATION page.

    • What is an adult sponsor?

    • This is a representative at your school, sometimes referred to as a research adviser, who is in charge of science fair. It is often a teacher. This individual serves as the contact person for the school and attends meetings on behalf of the school. You can access a list of adult sponsors in last year's event program on our RESULTS page.

    • I am not sure if an adult sponsor exists at my school. What should I do?

    • Ask a science teacher. If they are unsure, ask the science department coordinator or building principal at your school. You can access a list of adult sponsors in last year's event program on our RESULTS page.

    • When can I start experimentation?

    • Your completed paperwork packet must be approved by your parents and adult sponsor before experimentation can begin. Certain projects, often those involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, or potentially hazardous biological agents, also require SRC approval in advance.

    • What is SRC approval?

    • The Scientific Review Committee (SRC) reviews projects involving higher levels of risk. Speak with your adult sponsor to determine if your project requires SRC approval. Your adult sponsor can contact fair officials if he or she has questions about the SRC review / approval process. In general, projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, hazardous biological agents and/or tissues require SRC approval in advance.

    • When is SRC review and approval?

    • Any project packet requiring SRC review and approval must be brought to the SRC Review #1 Meeting. Only adult sponsors attend this meeting, not students. This meeting occurs in December. The exact date, time, and location are announced to adult sponsors in September and posted on the BCSRC calendar on our HOME page. Any changes required by the SRC must be made by the SRC Review #2 Meeting, which general occurs two weeks after meeting #1.

    • My project requires SRC approval, and I would like to start experimentation before the scheduled December SRC Meeting. What should I do?

    • Contact your adult sponsor. Ask him or her to email fair administrators right away. Remember: If your project requires SRC approval, you cannot start experimentation without that approval.

    • My project requires SRC approval, and I did not complete the approval process in time to compete in this year's event. I would like to start work so that I can compete in next year's competition. What should I do?

    • Contact the adult sponsor at your school for more information. He or she has received specific instructions related to this scenario.

    • When is the competition? What will I need to bring?

    • Check the COMPETITION page for more information.