FASF Rules & Regulations

PROJECT LIMITATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Understanding the Rules and Guidelines and properly completing all of the paperwork is a necessary and important part of completing your science fair project.

See also the FASF Special Rules and Guidelines.  

  1. EXHIBIT DISPLAY SIZE MUST NOT BE MORE THAN 48 INCHES WIDE, 30 INCHES DEEP, AND 9 FEET HIGH FROM THE FLOOR. All apparatus must fit inside this exhibit space. Remember—the judges need to be able to see and read items displayed. Note:  Most projects will be displayed on top of a table.  
  2. A written report is required for all projects. Format suggestions are also in the FASF handbook.
  3. The display of grades, awards, and ribbons from previous fairs either for the student or on the project, is not permitted until after the FASF judging is completed.
  4. NO LIVING CREATURES WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE FAIR. All experimentation involving vertebrate animals (including humans) must conform to the guidelines established by the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The ISEF Rules Wizard is a great help for identifying special rules and things to consider. The comfort of any animal used in research shall be of prime concern. No research using animals shall be attempted unless the animal’s well-being and humane treatment is assured. Toxicology and acid rain experiments on vertebrates are NOT permitted.
  5. Informed consent forms must be completed if any human participates in or is photographed for your project except for simple questionnaires.
  6. The exhibition of human and animal parts is prohibited except: teeth, hair, nails, animal bones, histological sections, and liquid tissue slides properly acquired.
  7. Photographs and other visuals of vertebrates in other-than-normal conditions (i.e. dissection) may not be displayed.
  8. The practice of medicine by students is illegal. Medical experimentation will not be permitted without documentation of direct and complete supervision of a licensed professional.
  9. Prohibited Items (some have special rules that are identified in italics)
    1. Organisms, fungi, any type of cultured growth, spoiled foods or molds are prohibited. Petri dishes may be photographed or simulated but may not include active cultures.
    2. Open, unpackaged human or animal food, or substances that look like food are prohibited unless completely sealed.
    3. Human or animal feces may be displayed ONLY if completely encased in a plastic display medium such as Lucite.
    4. Syringes, pipettes, mercury thermometers and similar devices are prohibited.
    5. Any flames, open or concealed are prohibited.
    6. Highly flammable, combustible gases, liquids, or solids are prohibited.
    7. Dangerous chemicals including caustics and acids are prohibited. Mild acids, such as vinegar must be sealed meeting the requirements for display of food.
    8. Poisons, toxic and hazardous chemicals, drugs and other controlled substances are prohibited.
    9. Dry ice or other sublimating solids are prohibited.
    10. Tanks that have contained combustible liquids or gases are prohibited unless they have been purged with carbon dioxide.
    11. Operation of a class III or IV laser is not allowed.
    12. Projects with belts, pulleys, chains, moving parts with tension or pinch points that pose a potential hazard to observers must be shielded unless movement is disabled.
    13. Any exhibit producing temperatures exceeding 80°C (140°F) must be adequately insulated from its surroundings.
    14. Batteries with open top cells are not permitted. Other types of batteries may be used for electrical power.
  10. Special Care Needed
    1. High-voltage equipment MUST be shielded with a grounded metal box or cage to prevent accidental contact.
    2. Large vacuum tubes or dangerous ray-generating devices MUST be properly shielded.
    3. High voltage wiring, switches, and metal parts MUST be located out of reach of observers and designed with an adequate overload safety factor.
    4. Electric circuits for 110-volt AC MUST have an Underwriter Laboratories- approved cord of proper load-carrying capacity, which is at least nine feet long and equipped with a standard grounded or polarized plug.
    5. All wiring MUST be properly insulated; Nails, tacks, or uninsulated staples MUST NOT be used to fasten wiring.
    6. Bare wire and exposed knife-switches may be used only on circuits of 12 volts or less. The only power to be supplied will be standard 110-volt AC.
    7. Electrical connections in 110-volt circuits MUST be soldered or fixed under approved connectors. Connecting wires must be properly insulated.
  11. The following special rules apply to the Senior Division only:
    1. Plants/Soils--Due to strict interstate or international regulations on the transportation of plants/soil, these are prohibited from display in the senior division.
    2. The animal and/or human care supervisor must have a minimum of a master’s degree and a doctorate is recommended.
    3. Liquids of any kind, including water may not be exhibited.
    4. Pet store animals are not appropriate for use.
    5. All food items are prohibited in the senior division.
    6. Senior Division projects must complete all applicable ISEF forms. International rules and forms are available at www.societyforscience.org/isef. ISEF forms will be reviewed for completion and accuracy prior to competing in the Flint Fair.
    7. Senior Division students may attend the ISEF as an "observer" only once. Observer status is reserved for freshmen and sophomores.
    8. All students attending the ISEF will be required to produce both a written and a verbal report documenting their Science Fair experience, to their school and the FASF Board, by June 1, 2010.