FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Science Expo:

 What is the date of the Expo and where will it be held? 

Expo ’06 will be held at Allegany College of Maryland on March 31, 2006.  The Expo is held each year on a Friday between March 10 and April 10 (approximately).  In order to schedule facilities, the date is set up at least 7 months in advance and varies according to events such as holiday and testing schedules at the school systems and spring break at the colleges.  The Expo rotates between Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland. 

 

Where can I find help with my project?

There are higher education faculty and experts in the community who are willing to serve as mentors.  It is suggested that more serious, motivated students take advantage of such an opportunity. 

Why are all the forms necessary?

The Expo is an affiliate of Science Service/International Science & Engineering Fair and agrees as an affiliate to abide by federal rules and regulations governing science experiments.  While it is realized that the forms can be a burden, completion of forms and proper protocol are an important part of the scientific process and learning experience. 

Many projects require additional forms and paperwork, such as a qualified scientist.  How can this be avoided?

Steering away from projects in the following areas will avoid the extra paperwork:  human research, live vertebrates, tissue research, DNA research, pathogenic agents, or controlled substances.  

What forms are required by everyone:

All projects require the Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form, Research Plan 1A and 1B and an Abstract.

Can a human research project be done that does not require a qualified scientist or Informed Consent Forms?

A qualified scientist is not necessary if there is no risk.  Informed Consent Forms are not required . . .

·        for research in established settings involving normal educational practices,

·        for research on individual or group behavior or characteristics of individuals (studies of perception, game theory, or test development where the student does not manipulate behavior and the research does not involve stress for those involved in the project), or

·        for research involving collection or study of existing publicly available data.

 

Can a project be done with a pet without requiring a qualified scientist? 

 Yes, if the project is non-invasive (involving observation of the pet or a behavioral study of the pet).  Although a qualified scientist is not required for this type of project, a parent should sign a Designated Supervisor Form.  This indicates that the animal is being properly cared for. 

Can a project be done with a wild animal, such as a squirrel, without a qualified scientist?  

Yes, if there is no interaction between the student and animal.  If the project involves feeding, food that is set out for animals should be food the animal would normally eat.  In the case of a squirrel, for example, nuts and sunflower seeds are acceptable but not hotdogs and hamburgers!

When do I need a qualified scientist for a project involving yeast? 

A qualified scientist is required if the yeast is cultured.  If the yeast is not cultured in a petri dish and is used as intended (normal usage such as using yeast to make bread rise by varying the temperature of the water), a qualified scientist is not necessary. 

Why are some projects not allowed to be done at home?  

Some projects are not allowed because of the potential to harm the student or his family due to experimenting with bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.   All projects that are collected and cultured from any environment should be considered potentially pathogenic and need to be done in a lab.

Why is a Designated Supervisor Form necessary?  When is it necessary?

The designated supervisor is an adult who supervises a student’s experiment.  Any time hazardous materials or devices are involved, for the safety of the student a designated supervisor is directly responsible for overseeing the student’s work.  Examples would be using certain chemicals, lasers, gunpowder, fire, etc.   A designated supervisor is also needed for a behavioral or observational vertebrate animal experiment with a pet.  In these instances a qualified scientist is not required.  The adult sponsor (teacher) or the parent can be the designated supervisor. 

If a project requires a qualified scientist who is in another city or state, the student can work locally with a designated supervisor who has been trained in the techniques the student will use.

If a student who has worked many hours on a project throughout the school year cannot be at the Expo because of a school-related function downstate (such as attending the Hugh O’Brien Awards, the Junior Science Symposium, etc.), can the student still participate in the Expo?

Yes, a student can make arrangements to be prejudged.  The student should ask the teacher to contact the science supervisor.  Once the science supervisor has given approval, judges will be notified  that a student may be contacting them to be judged prior to the Expo.  Instructions will also be provided to the student along with names and telephone numbers of the judges for them to set up the prejudging.  Several students who have been prejudged have been winners at the Expo.  It is recommended that students take advantage of this opportunity that has been provided because it was felt that students should not be penalized when they cannot attend the Expo due to a special sanctioned school function that arises after they have invested so much time on their projects.

If a student becomes ill and cannot attend the Expo, can he/she be in competition:

Although participants have little chance of winning an award without being present for the judging interviews, a student may have the project set up and be absent from the judging in case of illness or other emergency.

Where can a student get answers to questions?

Answers for many questions can be found from two documents:

·        The Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines.  There is a link elsewhere from this website to access that site on line; science teachers should have a copy.

·        The Western Maryland Science Handbook.  Science chairperson and IRB chairman at each school should have a copy.