Getting Started - Junior (Grades 7/8)

Rules for Junior (Grades 7/8) Projects

• Use the Rules Wizard - this will ask you a series of questions about your project, and will then give you a list of policies, forms, and rules that may apply, based on your answers.
• Does your project involve Human Participation (including surveys, skill tests, food or drink, etc)? This would include classmates, family members, even testing of the student doing the project. If so, you must read the Youth Science Canada policy on Low-Risk Human Participation and the Youth Science Canada policy on Significant-Risk Human Participation.
• Does your project involve Animals or Animal products? If so, you must read the Youth Science Canada policy on Animals in Research.
• If your project uses Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Equipment, or Firearms, there's a Youth Science Canada policy on Hazardous Materials.

If your project involves Humans, Animals, or Hazardous items, you may be required to have certain permissions ahead of time, and/or additional supervision, and/or required forms. Read the rules listed above, use the Rules Wizard, and check out our Forms Listing. 

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 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
• Junior Level (Grades 7 & 8) Rules Wizard
• Junior Forms Listing
• Project Display / Backboard Information