RESTRICTIONS

HUMAN SUBJECTS

Designing a project that employs humans as subjects is a common practice among science fair participants. The NRSEF does not wish to discourage such project work.

In the interests of the humans who become subjects and to develop suitable ethical procedures, the NRSEF REQUIRES THAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE ANY EXPERIMENTAL ACTIVITIES ARE UNDERTAKEN.

Completion of such documents is the shared responsibility of the student and of the teachers and parents who supervise his/her work.

FAILURE TO INCLUDE THIS DOCUMENTATION WITH SIGNATURE FORMS WILL RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION.

What is a Human Subject?
The NRSEF defines a human subject as a person about whom an investigation, (professional or student) conducting scientific research, obtains:
(1) data throught intervention or interaction with the person, or
(2) identifiable private information.

ANIMAL STUDIES

Some distinct changes have been made in the restrictions regarding the study of animals. These changes are in line with the regulations of the Canada Wide Science Fair and reflect current concerns about proper treatment of all animal species.

Students in grades 5 to 12 are permitted to undertake studies or experiments that involve animals with backbones provided such work DOES NOT INVOLVE ANIMALS IN STRESSFUL CONDITIONS. It is advised that students consult a veterinarian, or other such animal specialist, BEFORE initiating such studies. As well, students should consult the Rules and Regulations coordinator (nrsef.rulesnregs@gmail.com) if in doubt about the appropriateness of their projects.

Here are four examples of projects which are suitable for students in grades 5 to 12:
   (1) Testing a gerbil to see which food it likes best.
   (2) Building different types of scarecrows to see which one best scares birds.
   (3) Natural behaviour patters of trout in a neighbourhood stream.
   (4) Treatment of young gorillas by their parents at the Zoo.

Students in grades 5 to 12 may experiment with or study animals which do not have backbones.

Here are two examples of suitable projects:
   (1) The life cycle of worker bees.
   (2) The effects of water quality on snails.