Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair
Participation Information 2007-2008
| Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is pleased to host the 51st annual Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF) February 13-16, 2008. Each year, aspiring local scientists, mathematicians and engineers, grades seven through 12, exhibit their projects in one of 15 categories. After a two day competition, two senior high students will be chosen as grand champions to compete at ISEF, compliments of CASEF. This year’s international competition will be held on May 11-17, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. Admission is free. |
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Exhibit set-up
Kunkel Gallery and AMP Grand Lobby, 3:30pm-8pm |
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Category and Special Awards Judging, 8am-3pm
Junior Division Projects (grades 7 - 8) displayed in AMP Grand Lobby
Senior Division Projects (grades 9 -12) displayed in Kunkel Gallery
|
Friday, February 15, 2008
Grand Champion Judging, 8am-12pm |
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Visit the Fair
CASEF is open to the public, 9am-7pm
Awards Ceremony
Sunoco Performance Theater, 7pm |
INTRODUCTION
Your Success is Our Goal
Welcome to the 51st year of the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. We want you to understand our program and we want you to know exactly how to be a part of the process. This information serves as a guide to participation in Science Fair and is intended for educators, students and parents.
CASEF is the abbreviation for Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. CASEF is the central Pennsylvania regional program affiliated with the ISEF, which is the abbreviation for International Science and Engineering Fair.
CASEF encourages students to creatively explore and investigate their world through hands-on scientific research. Through student participation in the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair, teachers and advisers help enrich a student’s appreciation and knowledge of the important roles science and engineering play in modern society. Yes, there are rules. Yes, there are guidelines. There are forms to be read, and forms to be completed. The only way that we can get our arms around this project and manage it fairly, securely and confidently is to administer a mini-bureaucracy. Read and follow the directions and you will understand that all the organizational “stuff” helps you succeed.
Each year, more than 300 aspiring local scientists, mathematicians and engineers, grades seven through 12, exhibit their projects in one of 15 categories; this year at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg. After a two day competition, two senior high students are chosen as grand champions to compete at ISEF, compliments of the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. Last year, more than 1,200 projects, representing 45 nations were exhibited in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Student delegates vied for scholarships, internships and cash awards valued at more than $3 million. The international competition will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008.
Choosing to participate in this project is a big deal. Honestly, life might be easier for you if you don’t get involved. However, the challenge to your intellect and your creativity, as well as your organizational skills, is well worth the effort. You will be enriched personally and professionally by participation in this established international competition. We look forward to your success.
JUST FOR TEACHERS
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair Mentors Available
The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair provides mentors to teachers and other designated adults to help with paperwork and the entry process. Contact Tricia Britton at tbritton@harrisburgacademy.org for information.
School Registration
Registration is open to seventh through 12th grade students in public, independent and parochial schools in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill counties and Northern York School District and Red Land High School in West Shore School District of York County.
Teachers must submit a registration form (available on this website) for each participating school and the appropriate registration fees to Debbie Nifong, Fair Director, at Whitaker Center by Monday. Nov. 19, 2007.
Payable to the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair, the entry fee is $50 per each eligible grade level within the registering school. The registration fee is based on the number of eligible grade levels (grades 7 - 12) in your school. For example, if your school has grades 7 and 8 and both grades participate, the registration fee is $100; however, if your school has grades 7 and 8 but only seventh grade participates in the science and engineering fair, the registration fee for your school is still $100 since your school houses two eligible grades.
Homeschool students are invited to participate and their teachers should contact Debbie Nifong, Fair Director, at 717-221-8201 ext 2518 for registration information.
Please Note
• All necessary forms can be found in the ISEF rules and guidelines manual. Access downloadable forms at www.sciserv.org/isef/document/index.asp.
• All students creating projects involving vertebrate animals, animal or human tissue, humans, DNA, pathogenic agents or controlled substances must submit a completed Research Plan/Approval Form and all other necessary certification forms to the Fair Director by Nov. 19 for review.
• All junior division human behavioral science projects should be reviewed by your in-school Institutional Review Board (IRB) and noted on Form 1B.
• Research plans for projects involving items listed above must be reviewed and approved by the Fair’s Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or your school’s IRB prior to research. The Category Selection Committee will not accept projects involving these subjects that do not receive proper prior approval.
• All certification forms must be submitted along with the entry forms by Feb. 1, for review by the Category Selection Committee and approval by the SRC. All entries must include a student exhibitor entry form, an exhibit identification/project abstract, a research plan/approval form and an adult sponsor checklist.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Debbie Nifong, Fair Director
225 Market Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
CASEF@whitakercenter.org
Phone: 717-221-8201 ext 2518
Fax: 717-221-8208
DATES TO REMEMBER
| 2007 |
|
| Sept. 25 |
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair General Meeting |
| Nov. 19 |
Deadline for school registration |
| Nov. 19 |
Deadline for submission of research plans requiring prior approval certification |
| Nov. 30 |
Scientific Review Committee responds to submitted plans |
| |
|
| 2008 |
|
| Feb. 1 |
Deadline for submission of Student Entry Forms |
| Feb. 13 |
Students set up exhibits, 3:30 pm until 8:00 pm |
| Feb. 14 |
Category and Special Awards judging, 8:00 am until 3:00 pm |
| Feb. 15 |
Grand Champion judging, 8:00 am until noon |
| Feb. 16 |
Fair open to public, 9:00 am until 7:00 pm
Awards Ceremony, 7:00 am until 8:30 pm |
| May 11-17 |
INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair, Atlanta, GA |
FAIR WEEK FEBRUARY 13-16, 2008
Projects for Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair are exhibited at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. .
February 13 (Wednesday) Set-up
Students must set up projects in Whitaker Center from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 13. Students will receive their interview times at set-up.
February 14 (Thursday) Category and Special Awards Judging
Projects are judged by category and special awards judges on Feb. 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Judges review the individual projects in the morning. Student interviews occur between noon and 3 p.m. Students who are not interviewed cannot win awards. Students must not arrive at the science fair before 11 a.m. and must be supervised by a teacher or parent at all times. Students may leave following the interview process. Students who will be called back for grand champion judging on Tuesday and their teachers will be notified at home by 8 p.m. either by phone or e-mail.
February 15 (Friday) Grand Champion Judging
First place senior and junior high exhibitors recommended by judges will return February 15, beginning at noon, for grand champion judging.
February 16 (Saturday) Visit the Fair
CASEF is open to the public on February 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Exhibiting participants are encouraged to be at their projects to answer questions from visitors. School groups are encouraged to attend.
February 16 (Saturday) Awards Ceremony
All participants of the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony. All participants receive medals and/or ribbons at a ceremony held on February 16, 7 p.m. Invitations are sent to ALL participating educators, students and families.
All projects must be removed by 9:30 p.m. following the awards ceremony. Projects may not be removed prior to the ceremony. Projects remaining after 9:30 p.m. will be discarded. Students unable to pick-up their exhibits must make arrangements for someone else to remove them after the awards ceremony.
Participating 2008 CASEF student scientists and engineers are invited and encouraged to be present at their projects on Friday. This allows students to discuss their research and projects and to interact with their peers and general public regarding scientific research within and beyond our central Pennsylvania community. Parents are encouraged to attend.
Participating teachers are requested to complete the Student Attendance for Public Visitation Day Form to advise of intended student participation.
KEY ISEF GUIDELINES
Please review this information carefully. A copy of the 2008 ISEF rules and guidelines manual can be found at http://www.sciserv.org/isef/primer/rules.asp.
• ALL studies involving the use of microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh tissues, blood, or body fluids require pre-approval by the SRC.
• ALL studies in the areas of research listed above are prohibited in a home environment.
• A risk assessment is required for all projects in these research areas (see page 23 of the ISEF rules and guidelines manual).
• Research projects in the areas of research listed above are now classified into biosafety levels that require appropriate biosafety containment. Essentially, biosafety level 1 research may be conducted in a high school with a trained designated supervisor.
• Projects involving unknown microorganism (i.e. those collected from the environment) have additional rules and restrictions (see page 22 of the ISEF rules and guidelines manual).
• Some tissues do not need to be treated as potentially hazardous biological agents (i.e. plant tissue,
established cell lines, hair, etc.). Refer to the additional rules for projects involving tissues including blood and blood products (see page 22 of the ISEF rules and guidelines manual).
Need More Information?
The rules and guidelines for Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair are available on the Science Service website in a number of formats to better aid all of those involved in the process: students, parents, teachers, and mentors. Visit http://www.sciserv.org/isef/primer/rules.asp and then click on International Rules and Guidelines for the full text of the rules and the forms both in html and in a downloadable format.
• Intel ISEF Rules Wizard for the wizard who asks a series of questions to determine a list of forms that you need to complete.
• Overview for Forms and Dates for a brief explanation of each form’s purpose and when in the science fair project process it should be completed.
• Common SRC Problems for some quick pointers about what NOT to do.
CASEF CATEGORIES
Junior and senior high students may participate in one of the following categories in 2008:
100 Animal Sciences
200 Behavioral and Social Sciences
300 Biochemistry
400 Cellular and Molecular Biology
500 Chemistry
600 Computer Science
700 Earth Science
800 Energy and Transportation
900 Engineering
1000 Environmental
1100 Mathematical Sciences
1200 Medicine and Health
1300 Microbiology
1400 Physics and Astronomy
1500 Plant Sciences
Team projects will compete in appropriate subject categories.
REGIONAL PLACEMENTS
Students are awarded first, second, third and honorable mention honors in each of the categories. More than one first, second, third and honorable mention award may be granted within a category. All exhibitors receive a medal or an honorable mention ribbon for their participation. First place winners receive gold medals; second place, silver; and third place, bronze.
Projects are judged individually and not in comparison with other entries except for the determination of grand champions.
Two senior high grand champions, one alternate senior high champion, the junior division champion and the alternate junior champion each receive a gold medal and cash awards. The two senior high grand champions will compete in the international science fair in Atlanta, Georgia, May 11 - 17, 2008.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair presents scholarships to senior students based on point totals accumulated throughout their participation years. Money for scholarships is raised through contributions from area businesses, organizations and individuals. Contributors include Hershey Foods Corporation; Frederick L. Morgenthaler, Jr., Fund of the Greater Harrisburg Foundation; and PPL.
To be considered for a senior scholarship, a minimum of 60 points is required. Exhibitors must also participate in CASEF during their senior year and must be accepted by an accredited college, university or technical school.
Students receive 10 points for each year of participation.
| POINTS |
Sr. Division |
Jr. Division |
| Champion |
60 |
30 |
| Alternate Champion |
50 |
25 |
| First place |
40 |
20 |
| Second place |
30 |
15 |
| Third place |
20 |
10 |
| Honorable mention |
10 |
5 |
GENERAL PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Participation guidelines for the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair are modeled after the International Rules for Pre-college Science Research and the Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs as published by Science Service, Inc. Teachers and students may access the ISEF rules and guidelines by logging onto http://www.sciserv.org/isef/primer/rules.asp for all specific exhibit guidelines.
• All students whose projects involve vertebrate animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA, tissue, pathogenic agents or controlled substances must complete certification forms found in the current ISEF rules book before any research begins.
• Research plans for the subjects listed above must be reviewed and approved by the fair’s Scientific Review Committee or your school’s Institutional Review Board prior to research. Refer to ISEF rules and guidelines for information regarding specific subjects. Projects involving these subjects that do not receive the proper prior approval will not be accepted in February by the Category Selection Committee.
• No living organisms (including plants, animals and microbes), preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals (including embryos), dried plant materials, taxidermy specimens or parts, human or animal parts and or human or animal food is permitted on display.
• Soil or waste samples, chemicals (including water); poisons, drugs, controlled substances; dry ice or other sublimating substances; flammable and combustible materials, liquids or gases; and sharp items are not allowed on display.
• All research and experimentation must follow existing local, state and federal laws.
• Only one project per student is permitted. Exhibits must be designed and produced by the student exhibitor.
• Senior division includes ninth through 12th grades; junior division includes seventh and eighth grades.
• Only full-time students not older than 21 before May 1, 2008, are eligible to participate in CASEF.
• Exhibits entered in a previous CASEF may not be entered again unless considerable expansion or development has been made and noted on the project.
• Students may compete in only one fair affiliated with ISEF in any one school year. Exhibits entered in any previous fair affiliated with ISEF are not permitted in CASEF. A student competing in fairs not represented in ISEF may enter a project in CASEF.
• Senior Division only! In order for a student to be considered for senior division grand champion, he/she must sign a form indicating agreement to attend the ISEF. The participant’s parent or guardian must also sign the form, and the form must be submitted with all required forms by Feb. 1, 2008. (See Agree to Attend Form)
• Students are required to write a (maximum) 250-word, one-page abstract. An abstract must include the purpose of the experiment, procedures used, data and conclusions. It may also include possible research applications. The abstract should focus on work done since the last CASEF and should not include any acknowledgements or procedures done by a mentor.
• Descriptive cards and charts must accompany exhibits to make them self-explanatory. Labels should be brief and neat.
• Exhibits are limited to 30 inches deep, front to back and 108 inches high, floor to top. Junior division projects must be no wider than 36 inches while senior division exhibits cannot exceed 42 inches in width. Projects must be self-supporting, safe, durable and no more than 250 pounds in weight. All valuable or movable items must be secured to the project.
• Student name and school must not be visible anywhere on the display, including the journal.
• All wiring must be properly insulated and protected from contact by the public. Only 110 volt AC electric is available. Exhibitors are required to furnish their own 9-foot grounded electrical extension cords as necessary to reach power connections.
• CASEF officials reserve the right to reject any exhibit that constitutes a public hazard or attempts to display prohibited items. ISEF rules state specific details about hazards. Please review these rules carefully.
• Efforts are made to protect all exhibits against loss or damage; however, projects are entered at the risk of the student exhibitor. The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair and Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts will assume no responsibility.
• Projects displayed at Whitaker Center are limited to those chosen as outstanding by school authorities. It is at the discretion of the Category Selection Committee as to which projects are eliminated if available space is unable to accommodate all entered projects. Committee members reserve the right to disqualify projects not accompanied by proper certification forms.
TEAM PROJECTS
• Team projects are accepted from both senior and junior division participants.
• Team projects compete against other individual projects within appropriate subject categories.
• Team project research may be in any of the 15 other CASEF scientific categories.
• Teams may consist of up to three members. Teams may not have more than the maximum number of members and then eliminate members to qualify for CASEF.
• A team project cannot be converted to an individual project and a new team member may not be added; however, two original junior division team members may continue if the third member no longer participates.
• Each team should appoint a team leader to coordinate the work and act as spokesperson; however, each team member must be able to serve as spokesperson, be fully involved in the project, and be familiar with all aspects of the project.
• The final work must reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same rules and similar judging criteria as the other 15 categories.
• Each team member must submit an individual entry form. Team members must jointly submit one Exhibit/identification/project abstract form, student and adult checklist forms and any other required certification.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Both local and national organizations and businesses support CASEF through the contribution of special awards. Outstanding student exhibitors are recognized in various classifications with certificates, plaques, savings bonds, scholarships and complimentary memberships.
American Institute of Chemical Engineering, Susquehanna Section
American Chemical Society, Southeastern PA Section
American Meteorological Society
American Society of Civil Engineers, Central PA Section
American Society of Highway Engineers
American Statistical Association, Harrisburg Chapter
American Trauma Society, PA Division
ASM International, South Central PA Chapter
Auxiliary to PA Society of Professional Engineers, Harrisburg Chapter
Capital City Veterinary Medical Association
Central Pennsylvania Science Center
Dauphin County Medical Society and Alliance
Engineers Society of PA
GeoServices, Ltd.,
Harrisburg Senators Baseball Spirit Award
Herbert Hoover Engineering Award
ISA, Central Keystone Section
Intel Environmental Health and Safety Award
Intel Computer Science Award
Izaak Walton League of America, John Harris Chapter
Thomas M. McAuliffe Memorial Award
National Earth Science Teachers Association
Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association
PA Society of Professional Engineers, Harrisburg Chapter
Penn State Teen College Scholarship
Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Sara and William Lunsford Award
Scientific American Magazine
Society of Optical Engineering
Society of Plastic Engineers, Susquehanna Chapter
Stephen F. Spector Award
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Metric Association
U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps
Woods Family Science Award
The Whitaker Foundation
Yale Science and Engineering Association
CAPITAL AREA SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair, a non-profit organization of business people and educators, is aided in its dedication to the fair by foundations, organizations and businesses that contribute financial support, special awards and volunteerism.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks for CASEF--we need both brain and brawn. Want to serve on a committee? Available for crowd control? How about some muscle in setting up the tables? Whatever your special skill or interest, we invite you to be an active part of CASEF. It’s a rewarding experience--especially for the students! Call Debbie Nifong at 717-221-8201 ext 2518 or email CASEF@whitakercenter.org.
Board of Directors Executive Committee
Tricia Britton, President
The Harrisburg Academy, Wormleysburg
763-7811 x-205 tbritton@harrisburgacademy.org
Jo Hopwood, Vice President
Cedar Crest HS, Cornwall-Lebanon SD
Tim Ritter, Treasurer
Cumberland Valley SD
Mary Pat Evans, Secretary
Susquehanna Twp. SD
Pat Woods, Past President
Linglestown JHS, Central Dauphin SD
Marie-Louise Abram
Penn State University, Harrisburg
Lori Lauver
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Marcus Lingenfelter
Harrisburg University
Betsy Riter
West Perry HS
CASEF President Writes
The talent exhibited by young scientists and engineers is impressive. The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair is a vehicle where students can demonstrate how they solved a problem or answered a question using scientific methods. Learning takes place during this process that touches all subject areas. Students develop competency and mastery of language arts skills, math skills, and technology skills. When researching they learn a little bit of the history of their topics that will lead them to their hypotheses. They learn how to cite a source. They analyze data and draw conclusions. In short, completing a Science project and preparing for PSSA tests are not mutually exclusive.
I am very excited as I continue my term as president of the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair, and I am honored to work with these young people as we reach the 51st anniversary of the Fair.
Tricia Britton, President
STUDENT STUFF
Judging Criteria
When choosing a topic, students should give careful thought to how their research might enhance the world and its inhabitants. Scientists try to understand how nature works. Engineers create things that never were. An engineering project should state goals, describe the development process and evaluate improvements.
Creative Ability
Are the question and procedure stated?
Does the question and the procedure/design show creative ability?
How were the problems encountered solved?
What further research is appropriate?
Scientific Thought
Is the problem/design validated by scientific literature?
Are the variable and controls clearly defined?
What graphs, photos, diagrams, and statistics were used for analysis?
How is the analysis of data interpreted in the discussion/conclusion?
Are references listed?
Engineering Goals
Is the solution workable/economical to produce?
Is there a real-life use for the solution?
Thoroughness
Were the conclusions based on replication?
How much time was spent on the project?
Is there a journal documenting progress?
Did the project meet its objective?
Skill
Did the student demonstrate that he/she did the actual work?
Clarity
Is the written material well-prepared?
Is the project display self-explanatory?
Are the data and results clearly presented?
Can the project be duplicated by following the stated procedure?
Interview
Can the student knowledgably discuss his/her project?
Is the student trying his/her best to be successful?
Teamwork (for team projects, only)
Did each member contribute to the project?
Did the team coordinate their efforts effectively?
NINE STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT
1. Pick your topic. Get an idea of what you want to study. Ideas might come from hobbies or problems you see that need solutions. Due to limited time and resources, you may want to study only one or two specific issues.
2. Research your topic. Go to the library or Internet and learn everything you can about your topic. Observe related events. Gather existing information about your topic. Look for unexplained or unexpected results. Also, talk to professionals in the field, write or e-mail the companies for specific information, and obtain or construct needed equipment.
3. Organize. Organize everything you have learned about your topic. At this point you should narrow your
hypothesis by focusing on a particular idea. Your library research should help you.
4. Make a timetable. Choose a topic that not only interests you, but can be done in the amount of time you have. Use a calendar to identify important dates. Leave time to fill out the forms and to review the Research Plan with your adult sponsor. Certain projects require more time because they need prior Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Allow plenty of time to experiment and collect data. Even simple experiments do not always go as you might expect the first time or even the second time. Allow enough time to write a paper and put together an exhibit.
5. Plan your experiments. Once you have a feasible project idea, write a research plan. This plan should explain how you will do your experiments and exactly what it will involve. All students participating in the Intel ISEF and affiliated fairs are required to complete the Checklist for Adult Sponsor, Research Plan (1A) and Approval Form (1B).
6. Consult your adult sponsor. You are required to discuss your research plan with an Adult Sponsor and obtain a signature of approval. In reviewing Research Plan (1A), your sponsor should determine if additional forms and/or IRB/SRC prior approval is needed.
7. Conduct your experiments. Give careful thought to experimental design. During experimentation, keep detailed notes of each and every experiment, measurement and observation. Keep an accurate journal and do not rely on your memory. Remember to change only one variable at a time when experimenting, and make sure to include control experiments in which none of the variables are changed. Make sure you include sufficient numbers of test subjects in both control and experimental groups. A group must have five or more subjects to be statistically valid.
8. Examine your results. When you complete your experiments, examine and organize your findings. Did your experiments give you the expected results? Why or why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Are there other explanations that you had not considered or observed? Were there errors in your observations? Remember that understanding errors and reporting that a suspected variable did not change the results can be valuable information. If possible, statistically analyze your data.
9. Draw conclusions. Which variables are important? Did you collect enough data? Do you need to conduct more experimentation? Keep an open mind - never alter results to fit a theory. If your results do not support your original hypothesis, you still have accomplished successful scientific research. An experiment is done to prove or disprove an hypothesis.
