All projects must represent the sole original work of the author(s).  Plagiarism (representing the ideas of others as your own) is strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to seek advice and information from others, but they must make all important project decisions and collect and analyze data.  Students may utilize adult assistants in carrying out potentially dangerous or difficult activities.  

 

Acknowledge all sources. Each presentation must have an acknowledgment section which identifies all source materials (including expert advice and individuals who provided substantive assistance).  Any citation format that provides enough information for fair organizers to locate the original information source is acceptable.

 

Responsible research conduct. Researchers must behave in an ethical fashion in all aspects of research.  

 

            Human Subjects - If human beings are to be the subject of the project, students must obtain consent prior to the experiment.  If children are to be research subjects the student must obtain prior consent of a parent or guardian prior to the experiment.  Public observations (such as watching people in the park and recording behavior) do not require prior consent.  

 

             Animal Use - If animals are to be used in research, students must design their experiments to ensure that animals are not subject to harm or undue stress. For guidance on proper research animal use please (particularly vertebrate animals) consult ISEF guidelines.  A summary of these guidelines can be found at www.sciencebuddies.org.