PARKMEAD FAMILY SCIENCE FAIR

SAFETY RULES*

1. All experiments using vertebrate animals or humans as subjects should cause no harm or undue stress to the subject.

2. No live vertebrate animals should be exhibited at the fair (models, stuffed animals or photographs should be used instead).  Exceptions may be granted with special permission.  Animal parts or pictures of dead or dissected animals may not be displayed.

3. No human body parts should be displayed.  Exceptions are teeth, hair and nails.

4. Students should avoid doing experiments involving bacterial cultures, molds or fungi.  Pictures may be used instead.

5. Controlled or illegal substances, including drugs, alcohol or tobacco may not be displayed.

6. No dangerous or combustible chemicals should be displayed at the fair.  Rockets or engines must not contain fuel.  All chemical displays should have the contents clearly marked on the container.

7. No open flames will be permitted at the fair display.

8. Student experimenters should wear safety goggles (eye protection) and follow standard safety practices when working with fire, hot liquids or caustic chemicals.  Parent approval and supervision is required.

9. All projects using household electricity must be approved in advance.

10. Expensive or fragile items should not be displayed.  Valuable items essential to the project should be simulated or photographed.

11. Collections (e.g., minerals, shells, feathers, etc.) should be protected with a clear display covering at the fair.

12. Items to be displayed in front of the project poster board should be adequately secured (i.e., batteries, wire, switch and motor – secure to a piece of plywood).

13. Carefully pack all materials when transporting them to and from the fair.

*  Adapted from Insights Visual Productions material and Delta Education’s “Great Investigations One Step at a Time!  A Teacher’s Guide to Science Fairs and Science Olympics”