Science Fair

Doing a science fair project can be a great learning experience!  It can provide opportunities for problem solving, experimentation, creating a hypothesis, data collection, research and much more!   In order for your project to be competition ready there is also paperwork that needs to be completed and much of it needs to be completed PRIOR to Experimentation! (See How to Guide for Parents below.)

IMPORTANT

No Elementary students can do projects involving culturing micro- organisms (bacteria, mold, fungus, etc.) in any location (school, home, or regulated institution). NO EXCEPTIONS.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

  • Students in grades 3-5
  • There may be up to 3 students per project.
  • Students from different grade levels can work together.
    • Example:  3 students from grade 5 OR 1 student from grade 4 and 2 students from grade 3, etc.

HOW TO GUIDE FOR PARENTS

 

  • Ms. Kelly Hinson has provided parents with a how to guide in completing the science fair paper work.  The majority of the forms must be completed prior to starting the experiment and turned in for approval. 

  • Video Link - Watch the video on how to complete the science fair forms.

 

WHEN TO TURN IN ITEMS FOR THE SCIENCE FAIR

  • The science fair is on Tuesday, November 3rd.

  • Students will need to email or turn in their science fair forms BEFORE starting the experiment starts for approval. NCSEF Elementary/Junior EZ Form  (one per student), Research Plan with 3 references, Risk Assessment Form 3.

  • Some projects will require additional forms: Humans, Animals, Hazardous Chemicals, Using Labs and Research Facilities. (FORMS LOCATED HERE) IF THIS IS YOUR PROJECT, IT MUST GET APPROVED BY HINSON!  Send it to Mrs. Wallace as soon as possible to get it approved. 

  • Science Board or Digital presentation AND Abstract Form are to be emailed or turned in by Monday, November 2nd. 

  • Judging will take place on November 3rd.

  • Recording interviews of science fair winners is on Wednesday, November 4th.  

Turn in all forms to Mrs. Wallace.  Forms may be emailed (lorna_wallace@iss.k12.nc.us) or turned into Mrs. Wallace in the Media Center.

PROJECT DISPLAY

A document titled %222026-2027 I-SS District Science and Engineering Fair Rubric%22 outlining scoring criteria for judging science fair projects. Scoring Categories & Criteria:Creative Ability (30, 20, 10, 0 Points): Evaluates the originality of thinking and investigation of an idea. Scientific Thought (30, 20, 10, 0 Points): Evaluates evidence of well-organized work, application of scientific methods, and clear demonstration of concepts. Skill and Thoroughness (15, 10, 5, 0 Points)

JUDGING

  • Judges will be invited to to judge the science fair in person.  

  • Students will present their project to the judges.

  • The same rubric will be used from previous years. 

  • The district/regionals will be using the pre-recorded interview to score the interview portion this year.

RECORDED INTERVIEWS

  • Mrs. Wallace will record the interview in school right after the science fair. 

  • I will ask the same questions for all students.  

  • I cannot provide leading questions, hints or information that may assist with answering questions. 

  • The students will have only one chance to record the interview.

 

SHARING OF RECORDED INTERVIEWS

  • The recorded interview will be shared with: 

    • Kelly Hinson the director of the ISS Science Fair (if they are going to the District Science Fair).  

    • The judges at the District, Regional, and State Fairs if the students qualify to participate in those levels.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • All work is expected to be that of the student(s) and student(s) should act ethically and responsibly.
  • It is the responsibility of the student and adult sponsor to know which additional forms are required based on project content and experimentation as well as what additional rules might be required.  INTERNATIONAL RULES SCIENCE RESEARCH