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TJ Science Fair 2013 2
Congratulations! You have decided to participate in TJ’s second annual Invitational
Science Fair. So what’s the first step? The first step, and one of the hardest parts of the entire science fair, is coming up with an experiment idea that you are passionate
about and that is practical to perform. There are various sites that may be helpful to you in choosing a project idea; these are included on the next page with the project guidelines. Most importantly, videos guiding through the science fair process, as well as links to other resources, are available at www.tjsciencefair.wordpress.com
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For many of you, you’re probably wondering how exactly this science fair will work. It will take place at McLean High School , on the 22 th of March 2014 . The main event will be in the cafeteria. Every participant will have table space to display his or her trifold. There will be two sessions: one judges session and one session open to the public (parents, other students, etc). During these sessions, judges, parents, students, and other people present at the fair will walk around and ask the participants questions about their projects.
Participants should be prepared to talk and discuss their projects fluently.
Here is a schedule for the science fair process. The bolded events are hard deadlines, and the italicized events are recommended dates.
Event
Registration Forms Due
Experimentation should be completed
Trifold/Presentation complete
Fair day
Date
March 1 st
March 10
, 2014 th , 2014
March 20 th , 2014
March 22 nd 2014

TJ Science Fair 2013 3
Eligibility:
Students must be enrolled in grades 5-8.
Students may participate alone or with a partner, in groups up to three people. Teams and individuals will be judged together.
Parent and/or teacher approval of participation and of project idea is necessary
Project Requirements:
Each participating student may enter only one project in the science fair.
Toxic chemicals are prohibited. Nontoxic chemicals are allowed. (If you have questions involving toxicity, please email tjsciencefair2014@gmail.com
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Observing animals in their wild states is allowed. Performing experimentation on animals, including insects and other invertebrates, is prohibited. Experimentation with microorganisms is acceptable under certain circumstances. Email tjsciencefair2014@gmail.com
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Project Guidelines:
All projects should be student-driven. Reasonable parent assistance is allowed, but ideas must be student-original.
All students should prepare a tri-board or other similar visual presentation for display at the science fair. Graphs, photographs, and other figures such as data tables are encouraged
All external sources used should be cited visibly on the trifold
Judging Criteria/Awards:
Grand Prize and Honorable Mention Awards
Projects will be evaluated based on creativity, scientific inquiry, adherence to the scientific method, and presentation. Constructive criticism will be given to every project. A full rubric is available at www.tjsciencefair.wordpress.com
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Awards will vary; they include certificates, scientific supplies, books, and exciting opportunities, as well as possible monetary awards.
All judges’ decisions are final.
Questions? Contact tjsciencefair2014@gmail.com
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