Student Area - Rules - Required Scientific Papers

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[Student Area|Teacher Area|Judge Area] Rules and Regulations
Animal Experimentation
Required Scientific Papers
Required Papers Guide
Research Involving Humans
Reference List Format
Research Summary Format

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
bio-safety

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.