Project Display Regulations

Display size limitations

• The above-mentioned space is for your project. Any protruding object outside the space will not be accepted, and you will be asked to remove it immediately. All projects must fit within these prescribed space limitations.

• Students must be present at their display during the judging period or the project will not be judged. For team projects, a minimum of two students must be present before judging will be allowed.

• The student's original laboratory journal must be present for possible inspection during judging. However, it is advised that this journal be on display only during the actual judging period.

• All project displays must adhere to New York State and federal laws for public safety. Lasers must be appropriately shielded. Projects must sustain their own weight.

• Displays may not contain any living organism. This prohibition includes all animals, plants, and studied collections of microscopic life forms such as bacteria, fungi, and molds. The display of preserved animals is not permitted. Projects may not display photographs of procedures detrimental to the health and well being of vertebrate animals. Photographs of surgical procedures may not be exhibited.

Not Allowed at Project or in Booth

1. Living organisms, including plants
2. Taxidermy specimens or parts
3. Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals
4. Human or animal food
5. Human/animal parts or body fluids
6. Plant materials (living, dead, or preserved)
7. Laboratory/household chemicals including water
8. Poisons, drugs, controlled substances, hazardous substances or devices (this includes, but is not limited to, acids, unsecured glassware, mercury, hazardous microbes, carcinogenic and radioactive materials)
9. Dry ice or other sublimating solids
10. Sharp items (for example, syringes, needles, pipettes, knives)
11. Flames or highly flammable materials
12. Batteries with open-top cells

• For these abovementioned items, the substitution of illustrations or photographs is encouraged.

• The RIT National Science Fair will disqualify any project deemed unsafe. Materials in violation of this rule will be marked and must be removed by the participant before judging will be allowed. The judgment of the Panel of Judges is the final authority on permissible materials.

• Participants are not permitted to distribute any items to the judges.

IMPORTANT: LOSS OR DAMAGE

Valuable equipment, such as computers, may be part of the display only if the student participant accepts full responsibility. It is advised that valuable materials ( e.g. computers, research notebook) be on display only during the actual judging period. Although precautionary security service will be provided, the RIT National Science Fair assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any project or project part. Exhibitors must exercise care in protecting equipment. It is advisable to have an extra copy of notebooks and all printed materials.