Greater Kansas City Science & Engineering Fair
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q.1. Where is the Science Fair being held?
A.1. Union Station, March 23-26, 2011

Q.2. Can students’ pictures be displayed on backboards?
A.2. Student full face pictures or any other pictures relating to the project may be on the backboard.  Senior level students must site source of pictures.

Q.3. Can student names be on the project?
A.3. Students names may be on the project backboard or notebook.

Q.4. Can a company or organization that sponsors supplies for a student have a logo or name on a project?
A.4. A company or organization that donates supplies to a student cannot have their logo or name on the project. The student may mention them in the Acknowledgement section of their notebook.

Q.5. Is product testing allowed in the science fair?
A.5. Yes, with certain restrictions. Product testing requires the complete scientific process with a measurable, objective evaluation scale. Testing must have at least ten trials of the variable. (This applies only to product testing)  Opinion surveys are not acceptable. (Product testing is defined as an experiment in which a group of various commercially available products are compared against each other to test their ability to perform a function of that product. Comparing how white clothes get using different laundry detergents, timing how long different brands of batteries can light a bulb, testing how bacteria stand up to mouthwash, and counting the number of popcorn kernels that did not pop are all examples of product testing.) Senior level projects do not allow product testing.

Q.6. Is there a minimum number of trials for an experimental project?
A.6. Experimental projects should have what you consider to be an adequate number of trials to verify your experimental results. Standard at elementary level is usually three but this can vary by grade level and experimental situation.

Q.7. Will 7th & 8th graders be penalized by judges if they do not attend the interviews on March 23rd from 7:30-8:30pm?
A.7. They will not be penalized by judges, but being present to answer questions may help clarify points in a project.

Q.8. Where do we fax forms needing prior approval?
A.8. Human Tissue (1), Hazardous Materials Form (3), Bacteria Form (4) and ISEF Forms needing prior approval should be faxed to 816-501-4802.

Q.9. Who attends the Awards Ceremony?
A.9. Any student who has a purple rosette ribbon (Division Category Winner) or a white ribbon (Special Awards) are invited to the Awards Ceremony for recognition.

Q.10. Can fish be used in an experiment?
A.10. No, because fish are vertebrates.

Q.11. Are there height limitations for projects?
A.11.  No, there are no height limitations.

Q.12. Do we need to send Human Subject Forms in for prior approval?
A.12. No, they do not require prior approval but should accompany the fair application sent to Science Pioneers.

Q.13. What size space do students have for backboards?
A.13. Grades 4-6 have 32 inches width...A backboard with sides folded can fit in this area.       Grades 7-12 have 48 inches width...A backboard with sides folded can fit in this area. 

Questions or concerns email admin@sciencepioneers.org or call 816.460-2261