INTERNATIONAL
SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING FAIR
2016
Rules and Guidelines

Student Science
A Resource of the Society for Science & the Public
2016 Rules, Guidelines and Forms

Very Useful

Adult roles and
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Adult Sponsor
Qualified Scientist
Designated Supervisor
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Scientific Review Committee (SRC)

Be sure to check boxes.
Date of review before research.

Make sure all dates are accurate.
Signatures must be before data collection.
Question 9
Research Plan
Separate page
Question 10
At the end on
Abstract Form

Student Checklist (1A)
Question 9
Abbreviated Research Plan provided

Safety first
IRB approval required by federal law.
SRC approval required.

If 1-4 on
Research
Plan
Regional
Fair only
Date prior to experiment
If done in research institution.
Not school or home.

Scientific Review Committee
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A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is a group of adults knowledgeable about regulations concerning experimentation.
Vertebrate animals, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous biological agents.
When in doubt, have review

SRC
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An SRC consists of a minimum of three members.
The SRC must include at least: a) biomedical scientist (e.g., Ph.D.,
M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.O.) b) an educator c) at least one other member (school administrator)

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SRC- Additional Expertise extended knowledge of biosafety or of human risk groups
If animal research is involved, at least one member must be familiar with proper animal care procedures.
If unavailable then documented contact with an external expert is appropriate and encouraged.

May not be members of SRC
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To eliminate conflict of interest,
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 the Adult Sponsor
Parents the Qualified Scientist the Designated Supervisor
 must not serve on the SRC reviewing that project.

SRC Approval
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The SRC Chair signs the box in #2a on the
Approval Form (1B).
Copy of approved form should be returned to students as soon as possible, so that they can begin experimentation.

The Institutional Review
Board (IRB)
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A committee that, according to federal regulations (45-CFR-46), must evaluate the potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving humans.
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All proposed human research must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before experimentation begins.
This includes review of any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project.

IRB Members
 consist of a minimum of three members which include
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 an educator a school administrator (preferably principal or vice principal), include an individual who is knowledgeable about and capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk involved in a given study.

Knowledgeable
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May be a:
 medical doctor
 nurse practitioner
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 physician’s assistant registered nurse
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Psychologist
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 licensed social worker licensed clinical professional counselor

May not be on IRB
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May not serve
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Adult Sponsor
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 parent or other relative of the student the Qualified Scientist
May Serve
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Designated Supervisor who oversees the project may serve on the IRB reviewing that project.

Approval
• The IRB Chair signs the box in #2a on the Approval Form
(1B).
• Copy of approved forms should be returned to students as soon as possible, so that they can begin experimentation.

Rules Wizard

Abstract Form
• After project is complete.
• Required to attend
Fauquier Regional
Fair.
• Will not save . Must complete and print.

Qualified Scientist Form (2)

Risk Assessment Form
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Hazardous chemicals, activities or devices, microorganisms that DO NOT require SRC approval
Date prior to experiment.

Research Institution

HUMAN PARTICIPANTS

Human participants research
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Risk Assessment form
The IRB evaluates the project and determines
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Risk level
Requirement for Qualified Scientist
Requirement for written informed consent/assent/parental permission

If IRB determines that written informed consent/assent or parental permission is required, documentation is obtained on an
“informed consent” document

• Completed with
Adult Sponsor,
Designated
Supervisor or
Qualified
Scientist
• Every participant must complete.
• Parent signature for under under
18.
• Before research
Complete top make copy for each participant.
All must be dated before research

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Adult Sponsor must keep all consent forms and present upon request.
Submit copy of Human Consent form, but not the individual ones.

VERTEBRATE ANIMALS

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SRC determines level of supervision appropriate for the study:
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Designated supervisor
Veterinarian
Qualified scientist
Form 5A required

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS,
ACTIVITIES OR DEVICES