Rules and Regulations
These rules are reproduced in summary from the current fair website. Read the full regulations and linked Youth Science Canada policies before registering a project.
Eligibility and entry
Students are selected through their school fairs. A school may submit up to 15 exhibits. Students whose school is not participating may contact the fair; the site says a designated teacher may register them, or a parent may register when there is no participating teacher.
Projects may be individual or teams of no more than two students, with teacher approval. If team members are in different grades, the project is judged in the higher grade division. Students must design and assemble their exhibits themselves; assistance and mentorship should be disclosed on the display.
Categories
- Computer and Engineering Technology
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Human and Health Sciences
- Plant and Animal Sciences
- Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Divisions
- Grades 4–6: Elementary
- Grades 7–8: Junior
- Grades 9–10: Intermediate
- Grades 11–12: Senior
Exhibit size and materials
The display space is limited to 1.2 m wide, 0.8 m deep and 2.5 m high. Nothing may project into an aisle. Oversized exhibits must be modified before safety approval. Coroplast (except Firewall F.R.B.), foam board and plastic sheeting are prohibited for backboards and title boards. Display information should be printed on paper and attached securely; table papers should be kept in a binder, folder or sleeve.
Safety
Consider whether a viewer, particularly a small child, could touch or spill materials and be injured. Open flames are not allowed in the display area except with advance written approval. Dangerous chemicals and medications may not be displayed; simulated substitutes must be labeled. Total displayed liquid may not exceed one litre. Electrical, mechanical, biological and other hazards must meet the rules and Youth Science Canada safety policies.
Bacterial cultures, biological toxins, certain microorganisms and infected cells or tissues must not be displayed. The source regulations list additional Canada Wide Science Fair display restrictions, including cultures, plant tissue, soil, decomposable materials and live animals or microorganisms.
Human and animal research
Human and animal projects have separate approval, consent and documentation requirements. Complete the relevant steps before research begins. See Human Testing, Animal Testing and Safety and Ethics.
Judging
Projects are judged on Scientific Thought, Originality and Creativity, and Communication. The committee reviews judging decisions before they are final. See the Judging Rubric.