Getting Started - Intermediate/Senior

Rules for Intermediate & Senior (Grades 9-12) Projects

High School projects will need to meet both the YSC (Youth Science Canada) rules, the same as Junior projects above, and also the ISEF (International Science & Engineering Fair) rules, which can be much more strict.

• Use the ISEF Rules Wizard to help determine the Rules, Policies and Forms that may apply to your project.
• The International Rules and Guidelines Page provides links to all the ISEF rules, as well as an FAQ section of questions and answers.

There are also helpful tips in the ISEF Student Handbook, and check out our Intermediate/Senior Forms Listing. Even though High School projects must beet both YSC and ISEF rules, only ISEF forms need to be completed. Unlike previous years, if you wait until the end of registration for us to tell you what forms are missing, it will be TOO LATE.

Step by Step

The following should give you an idea of what order to proceed with the steps involved in your Science Fair Project:

1. Pick your topic. Possibly the most difficult part, but check out the Science Success! handbook and our Project Resources page.
2. Research your topic. Learn more from the internet, the library, your science teacher, and other resources.
3. Check out the Rules. Use the "Wizard" questionnaires listed above for Junior and High School projects to determine the rules and forms you will need. Some projects may also need to be conducted in appropriate facilities or under scientific supervision.
4. Make a Time Table and Plan your Experiment.
5. Consult with your Adult Supervisor and Get Required Approvals.
6. Conduct your Experiment. Keep detailed notes of every experiment and measurement, track your data in a journal or log book.
7. Analyze your Results.
8. Draw Conclusions, and write up your results.
9. Download and complete the BASEF Consent Form. A Parent/Guardian must consent to each student's participation in the Fair. As well, the School Principal or School Representative must approve each student's participation and representation of his/her school.
10. Register for BASEF on time. Online Registration begins February 1st 2012 and closes March 7th, 2012 at 4:30pm. Make sure to record your Registration ID number.
11. Use the ISEF Rules Wizard and the Forms Listing to determine which Forms you need for your project.  Use the Checklist Coverpage to organize and send us your Forms.
12. All required forms must be MAILED or FAXED or EMAILED by March 9th, 2012. Late registrations cannot be accepted.
13. Prepare a project backboard for display at the Fair with your project details. Pay attention to all the Display and Safety Rules involved!
14. See you at the Science Fair!

Resources & Links Summary

• Science Success! Student Guide
• Project Resources Links
• High School Level ISEF Rules Wizard
• Intermediate/Senior (Grades 9-12) Forms Listing
• Project Display / Backboard Information