- Make sure you download and read the 2012–2013 HSSEF Guidelines and ISEF Rulebook. They will help you avoid complications.
- It is important to have the right forms for your division (Junior Display, Junior Research, or Senior Research).
- Teams are limited to three students.
- If you or your student are looking for a mentor, contact us.
Before You Begin Your Project
New and returning participants should download and read the following two handbooks and document:
- HSSEF General Rules & Guidelines for 2012–2013 – The HSSEF booklet is an overview of the process to participate in the Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair and will help guide you through the science fair process.
- Complete Intel ISEF 2013 Rules and Guidelines booklet - Having a copy of the ISEF Rules Book is absolutely essential. This rulebook along with the ISEF website provide the detailed information you’ll need to insure that your project meets safety and entry requirements.
- Intel ISEF Rules Changes and Modifications 2012–2013
Please be aware that there are forms you need to fill out prior to experimentation see the HSSEF Guidelines and ISEF Rulebook for more details.
Planning Your Project
- First gather all the information you can find about your topic. Your science teacher can suggest places to look, such as Wikipedia, Google, or science texts in your library.
- Organize your project. Will it be for DISPLAY or for RESEARCH? Each type is very different, and your teacher can help to guide you.
- Outline of your topic and a plan for your project. At this level, your science teacher can be especially helpful. You need to consider materials and methods, and later, findings and conclusions. Don’t forget to consider time involved, costs, etc.
- After you and your teacher have considered all the above, you then usually expand or contract the project to fit your knowledge, abilities, time, budget, etc.
- Now your improved project is ready for the mentor, whose job it is to help you deal with the actual DOING of the project. The mentor will need to know your age, grade, and previous science experience. Then your mentor can try to help you with advice and suggestions for carrying out your work, interpreting your findings, displaying and writing up your results, etc, as well as guidance in the final presentation. Please DO NOT enlist a mentor before completing steps 1–4. A mentor is not available to help you find a topic or develop your ideas. Mentors are usually professionals in the workplace and their time is limited!
- If you are looking for a mentor please contact the Academy and we will try to find an available mentor for you in your field.
- Submit your project for judging at your school level, and maybe you are so successful that you go on to win prizes and honors in the Hawaii Science and Engineering Fair! Hooray!
Entering a District Fair
Find your district fair director using the District Fair Contact List. The director can help you get in touch with an SRC board member to review your project idea before you begin work.
You’ll also need the correct forms to enter your project into the fair.
Entry forms for Senior Research / Junior Research:
Entry forms for Junior Display:
Entering the State Fair
Photocopies of all your completed and signed forms are now required to be submitted to your District Fair Coordinator. Originals should be kept in your project book and brought with you to the fair. The deadline for entry is March 1, 2013.
Tips for Students and Teachers
Find out more by visiting: Helpful Resources for Students and Teachers
