SCI://TECH 2016

The tremendous explosion in scientific and technical knowledge and the critical issues that we face has
made it clear that science, mathematics, and technology education play an increasingly critical role in our lives
and the lives of our students and children. In the scientific, technology driven era that we live in; we must
awaken, strengthen, and maintain an interest in and curiosity about science, mathematics, and technology in our
young people. We must also recognize and reward creative thought and significant performance in these areas.
SCI://TECH 2016 has been designed with these goals in mind.
SCI://TECH 2016 is in its 26th year as Southeast Texas’ premiere science and technology exposition
and career day. Building upon the idea of the school science fair, SCI://TECH 2016 will provide unique
experiences for adults and for students at all grade levels, from kindergarten to grade twelve.
The SCI://TECH 2016 science fair competitions will be held on Friday, January 29th at the Lone
Star Convention and Expo Center in Conroe.
Sponsored by Education for Tomorrow Alliance, SCI://TECH 2016 mobilizes the resources of Montgomery
County education, scientific, medical, and business communities.
Poster Design Competition - Grades 7-12
 Science Fair – 7-12
o Team Projects - Grades 7-8
o Team Projects - Grade 9, 10-12
o Individual Projects – Grades 7-8, 9, 10-12
 Technical Writing Competition - Grades 7-8, 9, 10-12
 Math Bowl Competition - Grades 7-12
 Engineering Design Competition - Grades 7-12
 Biotechnology Competition - Grades 9-12
 Sci.Blogz - Grades 5-12
 Elementary Science Festival
 Intermediate Sci.math.e.lon 5-6
 Science Bowl Competition – Grades 7-8, 9-12
In this packet: (1) rules and entry forms for the SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fair,
Technical Writing, and (2) ST Entry Forms, Campus Scientific Review Check-off,
Conroe ISD Science and Engineering Fair of Houston Commitment Form, and
Technical Writing Entry Information.
Please copy and distribute to students as appropriate.
Student entries for the Science Fair will only be accepted electronically by the campus
representatives and then sent to:
Janene Fowler
Science Fair Chairperson
Conroe ISD 832-592-5100
jfowler@conroeidsd.net
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet No Pass, No Play eligibility. Forms
verifying eligibility must be turned in to the competition
coordinator prior to the competition.
1
The SCI://TECH 2016 Exposition is a joint project of the following schools and is sponsored by
Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA). Conroe Independent School District and Montgomery
College provide major support. The Greater Conroe Chamber of Commerce, The South Montgomery
Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and other area businesses and volunteers provide additional
support.
SCI://TECH 2016
A Program of Education for Tomorrow Alliance
Lone Star College - Montgomery
3200 College Park Drive #E205 Conroe, TX 77384
Phone 936/271-6150 Fax 936/271-6154
www.efta-us.org
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fairs
Important Rules
All rules and regulations pertaining to the 2016 Science Engineering
Fair of Houston and the 2016 International Science and Engineering
Fair will apply to projects entered into the SCI://TECH 2016 Science
Fairs. These guidelines serve to insure the safety of the student
researcher as well as to provide appropriate treatment for research
subjects.
(1) BEFORE beginning research and regardless of topic, each student must complete and have signed:
(a) Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
(b) Student Checklist (1A)
(c) Research Plan Instructions (with 5 complete bibliographic references)
(d) Approval Form (1B)
Forms should be completed online at www.sciencefairoracle.com
Forms are also available in the Science Engineering Fair of Houston Rules and Guidelines available
online at http://www.sefhouston.org/sites/sefh/files/docs/project-approval-forms.pdf
(2) BEFORE beginning projects dealing with microorganisms, fungi, recombinant DNA, tissues, and
vertebrate animals; approval of research certifications by the Science Engineering Fair of Houston
(SEFH) Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is required. The necessary research certification forms are
also included in SEFH Rules and Guidelines and are available on line at the SEFH website.
2
For approval by the SEFH SRC, all necessary certification forms must
be submitted online to the SRC no later than November 7, 2015.
For SRC approval, the sponsoring teacher needs to let the appropriate SRC chair
know the project numbers of projects that are ready for approval. For
questions/concerns, contact:
For High School SEFH
Cynthia McMahan (cmcmahan@conroeisd.net)
Conroe High
3200 West Davis
Conroe, TX 77304
936-709-5795
For Junior High SEFH
Janene Fowler (jfowler@conroeisd.net)
McCullough Junior High
3800 S. Panther Creek
The Woodlands, TX 77381
832-592-5100
(3) A completed, signed Supervising Scientist Certification #1C form will be required for all projects
entered in ST 2016 for research that was conducted or begun in an institutional/industrial setting (for
example summer institute, science training program, university laboratory, summer internship, etc.).
Ninth and Senior Projects must have a completed copy of this form with their protocols on the day of ST
2016 for approval prior to judging.
(4) The completed and approved protocol forms and official abstract must be included as part of each
high school student’s display at the ST 2016 judging on Friday, January 29th. For junior high, the
official abstract is not required to be on display.
WARNING: Students without ALL certification forms properly approved will be disqualified and
will not be eligible for ST 2016 awards or to advance to the SEFH competition.
(5) A completed, signed Conroe ISD Parent Permit to Travel form must be on file and available for
each student participating in ST 2016. Each campus is responsible for collecting and bringing this
information to ST 2016. The form, included in this packet, does not have to be notarized.
(6) All competition rules will be strictly enforced to ensure the fairness of the competition. If a student
wishing to participate in the competition is unavailable for portions of the competition, the following
options are available:
a. Enter your research paper in the ST 2016 Technical Writing Competition.
b. Develop a 3 person team project. Only 2 people need to be present for judging.
(7) Scientific fraud and misconduct is not condoned at any level of research or competition. Plagiarism,
use or presentation of another researcher's work as one's own and fabrication or falsification of data will
not be tolerated. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition.
3
IMPORTANT DATES
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fair
Research Plans due to teachers
*Set by campus
Campus IRB1 review of research plans; expert sign-off
*Set by campus
Deadline for submission of protocol forms to SRC
November 6
Deadline for submission of revised protocol forms to SRC
December 4
Deadline for receipt of entries to campus representatives
November 30
Deadline for receipt of entries to ST 2016 Science Fairs to Fair Coordinator
December 7
Deadline for ST Paper entries to Cathy Smith @ College Park
January 22
ST 2016 Technical Paper Judging
January 26 – 28
ST 2016 Science Fair Judging
January 29
SEFH Project Entry Deadline
February 5
*Dates may vary by campus
1
IRB - Institutional Review Board. Each campus must have an IRB composed of at least two science
teachers; a school counselor, psychologist, M.D. or R.N.; and an administrator. No one directly involved
with a given student’s project may serve on the IRB for that project.
Science Engineering Fair of Houston
Deadline for Receipt of Poster Contest Entries
February 5
Deadline for receipt of Science Writing Contest entries
February 5
Deadline for receipt of Science Fair Project entries
February 5
Project move-in and registration at UH main campus Alumni Center
February 26
Project judging - University of Houston main campus Alumni Center
February 27
Awards Ceremony – University of Houston
February 28
30th Texas State Science and Engineering Fair (San Antonio, TX)
March 31 – April 2
67th International Science Fair (Phoenix, AZ)
May 8-13
57th SEFH at the University of Houston
Award Ceremony at the University of Houston
February 26-27, 2016
February 28, 2016
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fair
Awards
4
A variety of recognitions and awards will be presented to students participating in
SCI://TECH 2016 Secondary Science Fair, Team Science Fair Projects, and the Technical
Writing Contest.
(1) All entrants will receive a SCI://TECH 2016 T-shirt.
(2) Awards recognizing student excellence will also be given.
(3) Promising Researcher awards will be given to selected Junior High, Ninth, and Senior
Grade Division entries.
(4) Grand Awards will be presented to selected Ninth and Senior Division first place
winners in life and physical sciences.
5
SCI://TECH 2016 Secondary Science Fair - Grades 7-12
The purpose of the Secondary Science Fair section of SCI://TECH 2016 is to
recognize and reward students in grades 7-12 who have developed individual
experimental research projects. The Secondary Science Fair is open to all students in
EfTA public, private, or parochial schools located within the CISD attendance area.
PROJECT AREAS
LIFE SCIENCE
Animal Science
Behavioral/Social Science
Biochemistry/Microbiology
Environmental Science
Medicine/Health
Plant Science
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth/Space Science
Energy and Transportation
Engineering
Mathematics
Physics and Astronomy
(1) Students will compete in three divisions: Senior (10-12th grades), Ninth Grade, and
Junior (7th and 8th grades). Students must participate in the SCI://TECH 2016 Science
Fair in order to be chosen for participation in the Science Engineering Fair of Houston.
(2) All rules and regulations pertaining to the Science Engineering Fair of Houston and
the International Science and Engineering Fair will apply to projects entered into the
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fairs. These guidelines serve to insure the safety of the
student researcher as well as to provide appropriate treatment for research subjects.
(3) Rules and Guidelines for the 2016 Science Engineering Fair of Houston details all
rules and provides all necessary documents for project approval. These documents are
available at www.sefhouston.org and are to be completed for each project online at
scienteer.com
(4) Students in the 9th and Senior Division must have an abstract of their project for the
judging phase.
6
SCI://TECH 2016 Secondary Science Fair - Grades 7-8
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2015
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet UIL No Pass, No Play eligibility.
Please Print or Type
Student:______________________________________________
School: ____________________________________ Sponsoring Teacher: ________________
Division
______ Junior 7
______ Junior 8
Category (check one):
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
______ Behavioral / Social
______ Chemistry
______ Biochemistry / Microbiology
______ Computer Science
______ Plant Science (Botany)
______ Earth / Space
______ Environmental
______ Energy and Transportation
______ Medicine / Health
______ Engineering
______ Animal Science (Zoology)
______ Mathematics
_______ Physics & Astronomy
Title of Project (recommended 50 character maximum, 6 words maximum):
______________________________________________________________________________
No electricity is to be used for the display of the project.
T-shirt size? (Circle one) S(30-34)
M(36-40)
L (42-44)
XL (46-48)
XXL (50-52)
By signing and submitting this form, I commit to participating in the competition on January 29, 2016.
__________________________________________
(Student Signature)
____________________________________________
(Parent Approval to Participate)
Give this entry form to your sponsoring teacher.
YOUR CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE MUST ENTER THE CAMPUS ENTRIES INTO THE SCIENCE FAIR.
Entries must be received by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator
no later than November 30, 2015.
* Entry into ST 2016, denotes acceptance and compliance with rules, regulations, decisions and the
release of information to the media,
7
SCI://TECH 2016 Secondary Science Fair - Grades 9-12
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2015
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet UIL No Pass, No Play eligibility.
Please Print or Type
Student:______________________________________________
Grade: ________________
School: ____________________________________ Sponsoring Teacher: ________________
Division (check one):
______ Senior (grades 10, 11, and 12)
______ Ninth (grade 9)
Category (check one):
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
______ Behavioral / Social
______ Chemistry
______ Biochemistry / Microbiology
______ Computer Science
______ Plant Science (Botany)
______ Earth / Space
______ Environmental
______ Energy and Transportation
______ Medicine / Health
______ Engineering
______ Animal Science (Zoology)
______ Mathematics
_______ Physics & Astronomy
Title of Project (recommended 50 character maximum, 6 words maximum):
__________________________________________________________________________________
No electricity is to be used for the display of the project.
T-shirt size? (Circle one) S(30-34)
M(36-40)
L (42-44)
XL (46-48)
XXL (50-52)
By signing and submitting this form, I commit to participating in the 9/SR judging on January 29, 2016.
__________________________________________
(Student Signature)
____________________________________________
(Parent Approval to Participate)
Give this entry form to your sponsoring teacher.
YOUR CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE MUST ENTER THE CAMPUS ENTRIES INTO THE SCIENCE FAIR.
Entries must be received by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator
no later than November 30, 2015.
* Entry into ST 2016, denotes acceptance and compliance with rules, regulations, decisions and the
release of information to the media.
8
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Projects for Science Fair
Grades 7-8
Projects may deal with a topic in one of four areas.
Project Areas
Botany/Environmental/Zoology
Behavioral/Biochemical/Medicine-Health
Physical Sciences
Engineering/Computers/Math
(1) A team consists of two (2) or three (3) students at one school. It is important to note
that once a project is entered as a team project in scienteer.com, it cannot be changed to
an individual project or visa versa.
(2) Two (2) members of the original team must be available to present the project to the
Science Fair judges on Friday, January 29th.
(3) A student may not participate in both the Secondary Science Fair and the Team
category of Science Fair.
(4) All rules and regulations pertaining to the Science Engineering Fair of Houston and
the International Science and Engineering Fair will apply to projects entered into the
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fairs. These guidelines serve to insure the safety of the
student researcher as well as to provide appropriate treatment for research subjects.
(5) Rules and Guidelines for the 2016 Science Engineering Fair of Houston details all
rules and provides all necessary documents for project approval. These documents are
available at www.sefhouston.org and are to be completed for each project online at
scienteer.com
9
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Science Fair Entry (7-8)
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2015
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet UIL No Pass, No Play eligibility.
Please Print or Type. Staple team member entries together.
Your Name: ____________________________________________ Grade: ________________
School: _____________________________ Sponsoring Teacher: ________________________
Team Member Names:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Category (check one):
______ Botany / Environmental / Zoology
______ Behavioral / Biochemical / Medicine-Health
______ Physical Sciences
______ Engineering / Computers / Math
Title of Project (recommended 50 character maximum, 6 words maximum):
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
No electricity is to be used for the display of the project.
T-shirt size? (Circle one)
S(30-34)
M(36-40)
L (42-44)
XL (46-48)
XXL (50-52)
By signing and submitting this form, I commit to participating in the judging January 29, 2016.
___________________________________
______________________________________
(Student Signature)
(Parent Approval to Participate)
Give this entry form to your sponsoring teacher.
YOUR CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE MUST ENTER THE CAMPUS ENTRIES INTO THE SCIENCE
FAIR.
Entries must be received by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator
no later than November 30, 2015.
* Entry into ST 2016, denotes acceptance and compliance with rules, regulations, decisions and the
release of information to the media
10
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Projects
Grade 9
Team Projects is a section of SCI://TECH 2016 designed as an alternative for
participation by students in grade 9 who have developed team experimental research
projects. Team Projects is open to all students in EfTA public, private, or parochial
schools located within the CISD attendance area.
Projects may deal with a topic in one of two areas.
Project Areas
Life Science
Physical Science
(1) A team consists of two (2) or three (3) students in the same grade at one school. If a
team member should resign, a substitution may be made up to the project approval
deadline. However, one of the original team members must continue for the project to
be entered in the Team Project Competition.
(2) Two (2) members of the team must be available to present the project to the Team
Project Science Fair judges on Friday, January 29th.
(3) A student may not participate in both the Secondary Science Fair and the Team
Projects.
(4) Students who participate in the Team Projects will be eligible for participation in
the Team Projects competition at the Science Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH).
(5) All rules and regulations pertaining to the Science Engineering Fair of Houston and
the International Science and Engineering Fair will apply to projects entered into the
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fairs. These guidelines serve to insure the safety of the
student researcher as well as to provide appropriate treatment for research subject
(6) Rules and Guidelines for the 2016 Science Engineering Fair of Houston details all
rules and provides all necessary documents for project approval. These documents are
available at www.sefhouston.org and are to be completed for each project online at
scienteer.com
(7) Projects that cut across subject matter areas are encouraged within the broad
definitions of the categories.
11
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Projects-Grade 9
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2015
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet UIL No Pass, No Play eligibility.
Please Print or Type. Staple team member entries together.
Your Name: ____________________________________________ Grade: ________________
School: _____________________________ Sponsoring Teacher: ________________________
Team Member Names:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Category (check one):
______ Life Science
______ Engineering/ Physical Science
Title of Project (recommended 50 character maximum, 6 words maximum):
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
No electricity is to be used for the display of the project.
T-shirt size? (Circle one)
S(30-34)
M(36-40)
L (42-44)
XL (46-48)
XXL (50-52)
By signing and submitting this form, I commit to participating in the judging January 29, 2016.
___________________________________
______________________________________
(Student Signature)
(Parent Approval to Participate)
Give this entry form to your sponsoring teacher.
YOUR CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE MUST ENTER THE CAMPUS ENTRIES INTO THE SCIENCE
FAIR.
Entries must be received by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator
no later than November 30, 2015.
* Entry into ST 2016, denotes acceptance and compliance with rules, regulations, decisions and the
release of information to the media.
12
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Projects- Senior Division
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Senior Team Projects is a section of SCI://TECH 2016 designed as an alternative
for participation by students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who have developed team
experimental research projects.
Project Areas
Life Science
Physical Science
(1) A team consists of two (2) or three (3) students at one school. If a team member
should resign, a substitution may be made up to the project approval deadline.
However, one of the original team members must continue for the project to be entered
in the Team Project Competition.
(2) Two (2) members of the team must be available to present the project to the Team
Project Science Fair judges on Friday, January 29th.
(3) A student may not participate in both the Secondary Science Fair and the Team
Projects.
(4) Students who participate in the Team Projects will be eligible for participation in
the Team Projects competition at the Science Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH).
(5) All rules and regulations pertaining to the Science Engineering Fair of Houston and
the International Science and Engineering Fair will apply to projects entered into the
SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fairs. These guidelines serve to insure the safety of the
student researcher as well as to provide appropriate treatment for research subjects.
(6) Rules and Guidelines for the 2016 Science Engineering Fair of Houston details all
rules and provides all necessary documents for project approval. These documents are
available at www.sefhouston.org and are to be completed for each project online at
scienteer.com
13
SCI://TECH 2016 Team Projects-Senior Division (10,11,12)
Entry Deadline: November 30, 2015
Students participating in any of the Sci://Tech 2016
competitions must meet UIL No Pass, No Play eligibility.
Please Print or Type. Staple team member entries together.
Your Name: ____________________________________________ Grade: ________________
School: _____________________________ Sponsoring Teacher: ________________________
Team Member Names:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Category:
All Senior Team projects will be judged together in a single category
Title of Project (recommended 50 character maximum, 6 words maximum):
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
No electricity is to be used for the display of the project.
T-shirt size? (Circle one)
S(30-34)
M(36-40)
L (42-44)
XL (46-48)
XXL (50-52)
By signing and submitting this form, I commit to participating in the judging January 29, 2016.
___________________________________
______________________________________
(Student Signature)
(Parent Approval to Participate)
Give this entry form to your sponsoring teacher.
YOUR CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE MUST ENTER THE CAMPUS ENTRIES INTO THE SCIENCE
FAIR.
Entries must be received by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator
no later than November 30, 2015.
* Entry into ST 2016, denotes acceptance and compliance with rules, regulations, decisions and the
release of information to the media.
14
SCI://TECH 2016
Technical Writing Contest
SCI://TECH 2016 invites all participants in the Secondary Science Fair (grades
7-12) to submit papers about their projects to the annual Technical Writing Contest.
Goals of the Contest include:
- encouraging development of analytical thinking and writing
- recognizing and rewarding excellence in technical writing
- promoting awareness of the importance of effective communication in
science and technology.
Eligibility
All students who did a project that met the criteria for entry into the Secondary
Science Fair of SCI://TECH 2016 are eligible to submit a research paper and other
materials prepared for their science fair projects. Projects must adhere to the SEFH
research and certification approval rules. Team projects are not eligible.
Entry Preparation
(1) Discuss the format and content of your paper with your supervising teacher in
order to satisfy the particular requirements for your topic.
(2) In addition to the paper, an abstract must be included. Also include any relevant
graphics, illustrations, or photographs; sample computer program(s) or output; and a
bibliography.
(3) Entries may not be returned. Make duplicate copies of the paper and other
materials if they are to be included in the project display.
(4) Type the paper, using double spacing, on good quality 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper.
15
(5) Prepare a cover sheet with the following information. The cover sheet will be
removed prior to judging.
Name:
Home Address and Zip Code:
Home Telephone Number:
School:
Grade Level:
School Address and Zip Code:
School Telephone Number:
Name of Principal:
Name of Supervising Teacher:
Title of Paper:
(6) Behind the cover sheet put a title page with the title of your project only. DO NOT
include your name or other identifying information on the title page.
(7) Staple your cover sheet, title page, abstract, paper, and other materials in the upper
left-hand corner. DO NOT use a folder or binder.
(8) To assure impartial judging, please adhere to the following:
a. DO NOT put your name on any of the pages of the paper or other materials;
b. DO NOT identify your school, school district, principal, or supervising
teacher on any of the pages, or make reference to them in your paper.
Submission of your Entry: Entries must be submitted by teachers no later than
3:00 PM, January 22nd, 2016. Entries submitted will be submitted to: Cathy
Smith @ The Woodlands College Park High School.
16
Conroe ISD Commitment Form
Science Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH)
Students who place in the SCI://TECH 2016 Science Fair may be selected to participate in the
Science Engineering Fair of Houston. It is an honor to be selected to represent your school.
Unfortunately, only a limited number of students may be sent to this competition from the Conroe
Independent School District. Selection of competitors is made after all the projects have been judged
and awards determined. In order to ensure maximum competitors from Conroe ISD, the selection
committee must know in advance if a student will commit to attending the Science and Engineering
Fair of Houston if chosen.
Conroe ISD will pay the entry fees and provide transportation and meal money to the science
fair site for all participants. This is a wonderful opportunity for all Conroe ISD students.
Science and Engineering Fair of Houston Schedule:
February 26, 2016 (Friday)
Set Up at UH main campus Alumni Center - afternoon/ night
February 27, 2016 (Saturday)
Judging: 9AM- 10 PM
February 28, 2016 (Sunday)
Awards: afternoon
Your signature and that of your parent assures the 2016 CISD Science Fair committee that you will
participate in the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston on Feb. 27 – March 1. This decision will not affect the
judging of your project, it will only help to identify student commitment for entry into the Science and Engineering
Fair of Houston.
_____ I will attend the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, Feb. 26 – Feb. 28, 2016 if chosen.
______________________
Student Name (print)
_______________________
Student Signature
________________
Date
____ I support my students’ decision to attend the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston,
Feb. 26 – Feb. 28, 2016 if he/ she is chosen.
________________________________________
___________________
Parent or Guardian
Date
* Entry into the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, denotes acceptance and compliance
with rules, regulations, decisions and the release of information to the media
____ I will not be able to participate in the Science Engineering Fair of Houston on
Feb. 26 – Feb 28, 2016 if chosen.
______________________
Student Name (print)
_______________________
Student Signature
________________
Date
____ I know that my student will not be able to participate in the Science Engineering Fair of
Houston on Feb. 26 – Feb. 28, 2016, if he/ she is chosen.
__________________________________
Parent Signature
______________
Date
** This form must be submitted to your Teacher Sponsor no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, November 30th, 2015. You will not
be considered for SEFH if this form is not submitted by the deadline.
17
18