Required
Scientific Papers
Research
Document
The Research Document is the grouping of all
data pertinent to the investigation. It may
include graphs, charts, a log of experiments,
interviews with authorities, and an extensive
explanation of the investigation. This
document, which may number many pages, is the
personal property of the researcher. This
compilation of personal records is the source
from which the Abstract and the Research
Summary are developed. The design and
arrangement of this document is left to the
discretion of the researcher. Since this is a
“one-of-a-kind” document, extreme care should
be used in handling. It should be exhibited
only when the researcher is present at his/her
project.
Abstract
The Abstract is a concise, one-page
abbreviation of the Research Summary. It
should contain only information or statements
that are an inherent part of the Research
Summary. This paper must use the exact form
presented on this PDF.
The Abstract consists of three paragraphs
(purpose, procedure, and conclusions) having a
total of 200 words or fewer. This resume is
required for all projects. Words and phrases
should be carefully chosen so that the full
impact of the research is conveyed in the
minimum number of sentences. The limit of
three paragraphs consisting of 200 words or
fewer will be strictly enforced.
Safety Sheet
The purpose of the Safety Sheet is to make
students aware of potential hazards. Having
hazards listed on the Safety Sheet does not
mean the project will be disqualified. The
important issue is how the potential hazards
were handled. A statement of the hazards
encountered in the project and the control
measures used are to be prepared by the
student and signed by both the student and the
sponsoring teacher. The safety sheet is found
in this PDF.
High school students who want to be considered
for the International Science and Engineering
Fair will need to request the ISEF Checklist
for Adult Sponsor/Student Safety Assessment
Form (1). Send requests to:TBA
Endorsement
Certain projects require the permission of the
Scientific Review Committee before research
can begin. When permission is granted, the
student is provided with a document called an
endorsement. Endorsements are required for
research on vertebrate animals (including
humans), recombinant DNA, and for some
projects involving microorganisms. See the safety guidelines
to determine whether your project requires an
endorsement.
Endorsements
must be signed and submitted by teacher
sponsors ONLY.
Research
Summary
The Research Summary is a condensation of the
Research Document. Specific criteria have been
established for the preparation of this
report. Details for writing this paper follow
in this section. The Research Summary must be
no longer than 30 pages unless the project
deals with DNA, microorganisms, or animal
experimentation; in these cases, the limit is
extended to 31 pages (if the Human, Vertebrate
Animal, Microbiology, or DNA Endorsement is
required). The page total includes the
Abstract, Safety Sheet, Endorsement (if
required), title page, table of contents, body
of paper, Reference List of literature cited,
and appendixes of data, graphs, photos, and
other items. The page limit and other criteria
will be strictly enforced. Papers submitted
with excess pages will have the excess pages
removed and returned to the author.
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