Rules Below
1. Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition
2. Each student is only allowed to enter one project. That project may include no more than 12 months of continuous research and may not include research performed before January 2020
3. Team projects must have no more than three members.
4. It is the responsibility of the student and the Adult Sponsor to evaluate the study to determine if the research will require forms and/or review and approval prior to experimentation, especially projects that include human participants, vertebrate animals, or potentially hazardous biological agents.
5. Introduction or disposal of non-native and/or invasive species (e.g. insects, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates), pathogens, toxic chemicals or foreign substances into the environment is prohibited. It is recommended that students reference their local, state or national regulations and quarantine lists.
6. Projects must adhere to local, state and U.S. Federal laws, regulations and permitting conditions. In addition, projects conducted outside the U.S. must also adhere to the laws of the country and jurisdiction in which the project was performed.
7. All projects must not be considered dangerous or harmful in any way.
Rules for entering as a High School student:
1. A student must:
a. be in grades 9-12 or equivalent; and attending a California High School
b. not have reached age 20 on or before May 1
Rules for entering as a College student:
1. A student must be currently enrolled as a student at an accredited California or CAHSI affiliated college for the Spring 2021 semester.