Sumter County School District Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Science Fair Forms
Important Notice Regarding Science Fair Forms
All required forms must be completed and signed prior to the start of any research activities. This includes obtaining all necessary approvals and consents. The date next to each signature should reflect the actual day the approval or consent was given, using the MM/DD/YY format.
Please note: Forms 1C, 5B, 7, and the abstract are exceptions and should be completed after the research has been conducted.
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How to Fill Out Science Fair Forms
This page provides detailed guidance on all required forms for participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). It explains which forms must be completed before or after experimentation, outlines approval procedures, and ensures projects meet ISEF rules and legal regulations. Students, sponsors, and supervisors can use this resource to understand documentation requirements, timelines, and responsibilities for each form.
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Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
This form is required for all science fair projects and must be completed before any experimentation begins. The Adult Sponsor is the individual responsible for supervising the student and ensuring the project complies with all safety and ethical guidelines.
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Student Checklist (1A)
This form is required for all projects and must be completed before any experimentation begins. It collects basic information about the student and outlines the proposed research. A detailed research plan must be included with Form 1A for the submission to be considered complete.
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Approval Form (1B)
A separate completed form is required for each student, including all members of team projects. Each student must submit their own form to ensure individual accountability and proper documentation.
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Regulated research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)
This form must be completed after experimentation by the adult supervising the student’s research, whether supervision occurred virtually or in person. It applies to research conducted at a regulated research institution, industrial setting, or any location other than home, school, or a field site.
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Qualified Scientist Form (2)
This form may be required for projects involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, or hazardous substances and devices. It must be completed and signed before any student experimentation begins. The form provides details about the Qualified Scientist who will supervise the student and the project, ensuring that all research is conducted safely and ethically.
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Risk Assessment Form (3)
This form must be completed before any experimentation begins. It may be required for projects involving hazardous chemicals, materials, or devices, as well as potentially hazardous biological agents. Completion is strongly recommended for all projects to ensure safety and compliance with science fair guidelines.
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Human Participants Form (4)
This form is required for all research involving human participants conducted outside of a Regulated Research Institution. If the research takes place within a Regulated Research Institution, institutional approval forms must be used to document prior review and approval. IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval is required before any recruitment or data collection begins.
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Human Informed Consent Form
This form is used to document that participants in a student’s research project understand the nature of the study and voluntarily agree to take part. It outlines the purpose of the research, any potential risks, and the procedures involved. Informed consent must be obtained before any data is collected, and participants (or their parent/guardian, if under 18) must sign the form to confirm their understanding and agreement. This form is essential for ensuring ethical standards are upheld in all research involving human subjects.
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Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
This form is required for all projects involving vertebrate animals that are conducted at home, in school, or in a field setting. It must be completed before any experimentation begins and ensures that the student’s research complies with ethical standards and animal care guidelines. Form 5A documents the procedures, care, and oversight involved in the project and must be reviewed and approved to confirm that the animals will be treated humanely and responsibly throughout the study.
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Vertebrate Animal Form (5B)
This form is required for all projects involving vertebrate animals conducted at a Regulated Research Institution, such as a university, medical facility, or industrial research lab. It must be completed after experimentation by the Qualified Scientist or supervising adult at the institution. Form 5B documents that the research was conducted in compliance with institutional and ethical standards for animal care and use. It serves as verification that proper oversight and humane treatment were maintained throughout the study.
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Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Rick Assessment Form (6A)
This form is required for projects involving potentially hazardous biological agents, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, mold, and other microorganisms. It must be completed before any experimentation begins to ensure that all safety precautions are in place and that the research complies with science fair regulations. Form 6A provides a detailed risk assessment and outlines the procedures for handling biological materials safely. It helps determine whether additional forms or oversight—such as a Qualified Scientist or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval—are necessary.
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Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue From (6B)
This form is required for all projects involving the use of human or vertebrate animal tissue, including organs, tissues, body fluids, teeth, hair, and primary cell cultures. It must be completed before experimentation begins to ensure that the tissue is sourced, handled, and disposed of safely and ethically. Form 6B helps verify that the tissue was obtained legally and ethically, and that the project complies with all applicable safety and regulatory guidelines. Additional documentation or oversight may be required depending on the source and type of tissue used.
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Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form (7)
This form is required for any project that is a continuation or progression of a previous year’s research. It must be completed after experimentation and submitted along with the current year’s forms and research plan. Form 7 provides a summary of the prior research and clearly identifies what is new or different in the current project. This ensures that judges and reviewers can evaluate the student’s growth, development, and understanding of the scientific process over time.
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State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida 2026 Project Set-Up & Approval
This form confirms that a student’s project meets all Display & Safety (D&S) requirements at the State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida. Students must receive approval before leaving the exhibit hall. Violations—such as adding prohibited items or connecting to electricity—may result in disqualification.
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ISEF Display & Safety Regulations
This page outlines the official Display & Safety rules for projects competing at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). It includes requirements for project size, approved materials, prohibited items, and how forms and visuals must be displayed. Students, sponsors, and fair directors are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations to qualify for competition.
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Science Fair Categories
Students may enter projects in a variety of categories that reflect different fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Categories include areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and more. Choosing the correct category helps ensure fair judging and accurate evaluation of each project.