Northern Regional Science/Engineering Fair
Grades K-12
Hosted by Tri-City College Prep
Last updated 01/11/2022
Rules Dates Online Enrollment Three Types of Projects Awards Results
Tri-City College Prep will be hosting the Northern Arizona Science and Engineering to Careers Fair (NASEF) for grades K-12. There will be an entry fee of $5 that will be due at project setup. Tri-City College Prep is located at 5522 Side Road in Prescott (Exit: Granite Dells Parkway) View in Google Maps.
NASEF Rules
This fair is not an ISEF affiliated fair where projects need an adult sponsor, must be pre-approved, and where demonstrations, research and modes are not recommended.
The purpose of these rules is to:
- protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher
- protect the rights and welfare of the human participant
- ensure adherence to federal regulations
- ensure use of safe laboratory practices
- protect the environment
- determine eligibility for competition
- promote equitable judging
The following guidelines can be used to identify acceptable projects for entry in the Northern Arizona Science and Engineering Fair 2021. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any project that is potentially dangerous, plagiarized, or unethical in any nature. For answers to specific questions about the eligibility of a project, email Mr. Muense ScienceFair@tricityprep.org.
- We will not accept projects from any student who is not currently in K-12 grade levels.
- Project entries may be individual or completed by a team of two.
- Document and give credit to all sources. This includes printed material, computer programs, internet sources, and interviews.
- Experiments using human subjects must be ethical, safe and must have written consent of the person/s involved. No endangerment will be permitted.
- Experiments using animal subjects must be ethical and safe and cannot illegally use or involve endangered species. Any animal tissue used must come from a recognized biological supplier. No animal sacrifice or endangerment will be permitted.
- Project displays may not include any of the following:
- Living or dead animals or animal parts
- Chemicals that are: carcinogenic, toxic, poisonous, highly acidic, explosive, or flammable
- Items that have strong odors
- Pharmaceutical or illegal substances
- Any substance not allowed on a school campus including weapons and Cigarettes.
- Hazardous substances
- Bacterial or viral components
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Wet cells containing acid
- X-ray, laser pointers or microwaves
- Project displays should include the following:
- Photographic documentation of experiments is highly recommended. Do not include faces of students.
- Projects may not exceed 48" in width, 108" in height and 30" in depth when set up for display.
- A printed copy of the registration form must be taped to the back of the project.
- Project display dimensions: Your project should not exceed 48" wide, 108" high, and 30' deep (including any support). Any projects larger in size will be disqualified and not judged.
- Display must stand by itself. Poster board should be reinforced.
- Display objects: Your display objects should be mounted on a wooden base or securely sealed in a tamper-proof plastic container.
- Any objects deemed harmful will be removed and discarded so please do not include them (use a picture of them if you need).
- Please display any items you value or could be broken in a way that does not invite careless handling.
- Please put your entry form on the back of the project (not the front) or your project will not be judged.
- Try to display your project in a way that tells the story of your science investigation clearly and understandably. Many people will be looking at your project and they should be able to see your thought process throughout the whole investigation.
- How you applied the scientific method should also be understandable by looking at your project display.
- The use of subtitles is good.
This is not an exhaustive list of rules. Please use good judgment and contact us if you have further questions. email Mr. Muense: ScienceFair@tricityprep.org.
Important Dates:
- February 18, 2022 (midnight) – Enrollment deadline
- March 3, 2022 (4:30 - 6:30 PM) - Project Set-up
- March 4, 2022 (8:00 AM - noon) Judging and closed to public
- March 4, 2022 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) open for public viewing
- March 4, 2022 (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM) project take down, projects left will be thrown away
- March 4, 2022 (5:00 PM) Awards Ceremony in TCP Auditorium
Online Enrollment
Enrollment is easy and is done online. The online Enrollment Form is to be complete by either the student, parent/guardian, or the student’s teacher. Enrollment closes at midnight on February 18, 2022. The online enrollment form can be found here: Science Fair Enrollment Form
The three types of projects: Experiment, Model/Demonstration, or Research
Experiment
What topics can you use? - You can use almost any topic as long as it is a natural phenomenon and can be safely investigated. Basically, if you can ask a question about something you should be able to investigate it. When picking a topic pick something that interests you. You will use the scientific method to investigate your topic.
The Scientific Method
Simplified 5 Step version
- Problem/Purpose - What is the scientific question you are trying to answer?
- Hypothesis - Make an educated prediction regarding the outcome of your experiment.
- Procedure/Research - Explain how you will conduct your experiment to test your hypothesis, what materials you will use as well as any information you gathered from the library, teachers, or other resources.
- Experiment/Analysis - Conduct your experiment and explain any findings or observations you make.
- Conclusion - This is the answer to your problem/purpose and proof or disproof of your hypothesis.
Judging Rubric for Science Experiments
Look at the rubric below to see how your science experiment will be judged to help determine if you want your project in this category.
- 20 pts. Creative Ability: thought, study, planning, originality
- 40 pts. Scientific Thought: purpose, accurate & valid experiment, scientific method
- 20 pts. In depth thinking: Is there a better way? What more could be done? Uses?
- 20 pts. Clarity: craftsmanship, understandable, logical sequence, organization
Sample Experiment Display
Model/Demonstration
Engineering projects lend themselves to models/demonstrations but can be an experiment if the student tests the model in a scientific way. Human/Animal parts and/or functions, products and product production also lend themselves to models. Inventions and simulations would most likely be models.
A model shows how or why something works.
Judging Rubric for Models/Demonstrations
Look at the rubric to see how your model/demonstration will be judged to help determine if you want your project in this category.
- 20 pts.Creative Ability: thought, study, planning, originality in construction or idea
- 30 pts.Model/Demonstration creation: purpose, accuracy, how it works, explanations
- 30 pts.In depth thinking: why it works, Is there a better way? How complete is it? Uses?
- 20 pts.Clarity: craftsmanship, understandable, logical sequence, organization
Sample Model/Demonstration Display
Research Project
A research project usually starts with a question seeking information on a topic. A research paper will not be judged. The information must be presented on a display board in a way that clearly demonstrates the learning that took place. Documentation of sources is essential. Pictures, bulleted lists, charts and graphs comparing and contrasting information researched are good ways to display a research project. The use of computer programs like Power Point are helpful in creating components of the display board.
Judging Rubric for a Research Project
- 20 pts. Creative Ability: thought, approach, planning and components of the board
- 30 pts. Display: purpose, accuracy, explanations, communication, application
- 30 pts. In depth thinking: comparisons, further research needed, Uses?
- 20 pts. Clarity: craftsmanship, understandable, logical sequence, organization
Sample Research Display
Awards
Category Awards by Grade Level:
- Experiment
- Model
- Research
Special Awards for the Overall Best in select fields as determined by judges. Examples are:
- Medical
- Social/Behavioral
- Food & Drug
- Audubon
- Earth & Space
- Engineering
- Technology and Math