Topical Categories
When registering for most fairs, you will need to assign your project to a category similar to one of these:
Behavioral Science — a study of human or animal behavior, archaeology, anthropology, opinion surveys, psychology, social and community relationships.
Botany — the study of plant life, plant physiology and genetics, photosynthesis, horticulture, hydroponics.
Chemistry — the study of the nature of matter at atomic and molecular levels; all branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, polymer and metallurgical.
Computer Science — design and development of computer software and hardware, networking, graphics, or simulations.
Earth Science — including geology, mineralogy, meteorology, oceanography, geography, seismology.
Engineering — projects that apply scientific principles to practical applications of aeronautical, automotive, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental and mechanical engineering.
Environmental Science — projects that include study of ecology, and air, water and land pollution.
Mathematics — the study and development of numerical and algebraic calculations, relationships that apply to all fields of mathematics.
Medicine and Health — the study of diseases and health of humans and animals.
Microbiology — the study of all categories of microorganisms.
Physics — the study of optics, electricity, thermodynamics, acoustics, mechanics, states of matter, magnetism, quantum mechanics, laws of motion and energy.
Space Science — including astronomy, cosmology, and planetary science.
Zoology — the study of the anatomy and physiology of animals, including, ichthyology, entomology,ornithology, paleontology, herpetology.
Basic Rules of a Fair
Abstract — the abstract should be displayed on the front wing of the display board, in the lower left corner. The abstract should be a maximum of 250 words, with the addition of three references.
Size of Display — Maximum 48 inches wide, 48 inches high, 30 inches deep.
Organisms — no living creatures, including animals, plants, and microorganisms can be displayed. No type of cultured growth, spoiled food, or molds can be displayed.
Tissue — no human or animal tissues can be displayed. Teeth, hair, nails, dried animal bones, histological sections and mounted slides are allowed.
Specimen — no taxidermy parts, preserved animals, embryos, or dried plant material can be displayed.
Photographs — no visual presentations of surgical techniques, dissections, necropsies or other lab techniques depicting vertebrate animals or humans in other that everyday conditions can be displayed.
Solid Waste — no solid waste, soil or other waste material may be displayed.
Chemicals — no chemicals of any kind, including water, can be displayed.
Foodstuff — no human or animal food can be displayed.
Sharp items — no syringes, needles, pipettes or other sharp instruments can be displayed.
Controlled Substances — poisons, drugs, controlled substances, explosives, hazardous devices or weapons cannot be displayed.
Dry Ice — dry ice or other solids that vaporize will not be displayed.
Fire — no open flames or highly combustible materials are allowed.
Tanks — tanks, full or empty, used for storage of combustible gases or liquids are not to be displayed.
Machinery — no unshielded belts, chains, pulleys or other hazardous moving parts shall be displayed.
Lasers — only class II lasers with proper warning labels displayed are allowed. Class III and IV are not allowed.
Heat Source — materials heated above 100 degree F are not allowed without adequate insulation.
Electric Current — no unshielded high voltage equipment, large vacuum tubes, ray-generating devices, bare wires and knife switches carrying current at more than 12 v, or exposed sparks will be allowed.
Embellishments — awards, medals, business cards personal information and photographs are not allowed.
Batteries — no open cell batteries may be displayed.
