Information for Students
Introduction
We welcome your participation in the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair. Each year, more than 300 students from East Tennessee compete prizes and college scholarships. You also get a chance to meet some of the outstanding scientists and engineers in our region.
To make sure things go smoothly, study this Student section to learn about the rules and regulations, due dates, and additional resources.
How to Participate in SASEF
Our Service Area
Any public, private or homeschooled student in the SASEF Service Area may enter an exhibit in the SASEF if certain qualifications are met (see below). This project year includes research conducted from January 2008 to Feb 2009. A $5.00, non-refundable fee is required for each participant.
SASEF Service Area:
Middle School (Grades 6-8): Junior Division
For middle school students to qualify for the Junior Division competition, exhibits must have been evaluated at the school or county level and have placed in the top 10-20% of all exhibits. You will receive an invitation to participate in SASEF at your school or county fair. Please contact us for possible exceptions.
High School (Grades 9-12: Senior Division
Any high school student may enter an exhibit in the SASEF. Most high schools do not have school fairs, nor do they compete at the county fair. Therefore, the only requirement in that the student have a teacher, parent, or outside scientist serve as project mentor. In addition, all students participating in a Resarch Methods class in any high school is eligible to compete in SASEF.
Team Projects
Team projects compete in their categories. Team projects can includes research in any scientific discipline. Team may have up to three members. Note: Teams may not have more than three members at a local fair and then eliminate members to qualify for the SASEF. A Team Project cannot be converted to an individual project. A new member may not be added to a continuing Team Project, but two original team members may continue their research if the third member no longer participates.
Each team should appoint a team leader to coordinate the work and act as spokesperson. However, each member of the team should be able to serve as spokesperson, be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all aspects of the project. The final work should reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same rules and similar judging criteria as the categories.
Timeline for Science Fair Projects
Aug - Sep:
Student selects research topic, begins literature review in library
Oct:
Student completes literature review; writes hypothesis, objectives, and methods and materials; prepares data book; completes necessary paperwork such as human subjects forms
Nov - Dec:
Student completes experiment, analyzes data, writes report and abstract.
Entry forms available on SASEF website.
Jan - Feb:
In-school fairs may be held at this time (if held after the Feb 28th deadline, then students qualify for the following year's SASEF, not this year's); winners selected to participate in SASEF
Students complete data book
Student uses online entry site to complete and print entry forms
Student mails SASEF entry forms (if qualified to enter) to SASEF, 2506 EJ Chapman Dr, Univ Tenn, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531 - DUE FEB 28th
Mar:
Student and teacher are informed about acceptance into SASEF (listed on this website), all paperwork issues must be resolved
Student prepares poster; practices for judge interviews
Apr:
SASEF during first week
May:
ISEF (our top two Senior Division projects and Team Project (optional) qualify for expense-paid trip to ISEF)
SASEF Rules
Rules for scientific experimentation are necessary to protect both the student researcher and their human or animal subjects. To satisfy the requirements of an affiliated fair, SASEF must abide by the rules and guidelines of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), sponsored by the Society for Science and the Public. The rules, including a Rules Wizard, are found at http://sciserv.org/isef/about/rules_regulations.asp.
In general, we highly recommend that middle school students do not conduct experiments with either human or vertebrate subjects, and that there be few if any hazardous substances involved. This helps to avoid additional paperwork to enter the SASEF.
Project Categories
We follow the guidelines of the ISEF for project categories and descriptions. They can be found at: http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/research_categories.asp
We ask that you choose a category on your SASEF entry form. However, if we determine that the category you select is not the best choice, we will contact you about a possible change of category.
Web Resources
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Science Fair Primer
Teacher Grants
Could you use a little extra money to help your science or engineering program grow?
The Endowment Committee of the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair invites teachers to submit grant proposals for up to $400.00. The purpose of these grants is to encourage the development of innovative science and engineering instructional programs and materials by science teachers served by the SASEF area. Teachers who have demonstrated interest and involvement in the SASEF by having one or more students participate in the SASEF in recent years are eligible. Some examples of suitable topics for proposals are: purchase of science and engineering equipment and materials, attendance at specific meetings for professional development, symposia or similar activities.
Your proposal should be typed and brief (no more than two pages). Your proposal should include specific details of how the money would be spent and how your students would benefit. Proposals will be considered on a biannual basis and deadlines for submission are November 1st and April 1st.
You may submit your proposals electronically (in either Microsoft word or rich text format) to:
Teresa L. Fulcher at tfulcher@pstcc.edu
or by mail to:
Teresa Fulcher
Pellissippi State Technical Community
College Natural and Behavioral Sciences
10915 Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN, 37933
Shortly after the deadline for submissions, the SASEF Endowment Committee will meet to consider the applications. Winners will be notified prior to January 1 or June 1, depending on the submission date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Teresa Fulcher by e-mail tfulcher@pstcc.edu or phone 865-539-7048.