Investigative Projects
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Investigative Projects require students to explore a phenomenon and/or problem and must follow the Scientific Method or Engineering Design Process. (Think “traditional” science & engineering fair project)
6-12th grade students entering Science, Engineering, Mathematics/Computer Science projects can qualify for the CA State Science and Engineering Fair and will be judged using this rubric. This rubric is for all grade K-12th.

Requirements:

1. Hold Harmless permission

​2. Safety documentation as applicable. (Only applies for 6-12 projects seeking to move onto CSEF and will not be collected unless the project is chosen as a state qualifier by SJCOE)

3. Tri-fold board or Poster:  Limited to 121 cm (4 feet) side to side, 92 cm (3 feet) top to bottom, and 93cm (3ft) front to back.  
  • Posters are also permitted as long as they fit the same dimensions.
  • Realia, prototypes, and/or models can be brought on the day of the event but are the sole responsibility of the student.  The realia must be small enough to fit within the space in front of your board.  Do NOT bring all components of your project.  All safety rules still apply.
  • Pictures on the display that do not model appropriate safety procedures will not be allowed (ie, participants should be wearing goggles, gloves, etc.)
  • Sample board layouts are below for competitive projects.  Boards for exhibition projects can be less structured but should include all information required based on the requirements listed in this section.

4. Notebook (optional but highly recommended): (Handwritten or computer generated. If using a computer-generated notebook, you must bring a printout of the notebook to project check-in.)
  • One per student participant (including K-3).
  • ​MUST be an ongoing dated log of everything. Should be an authentic representation of the entire project. 
  • Should show evidence of student thinking, brainstorming ideas, processing and reflection of what occurred.  
  • Notebooks should include annotated research information NOT just a bibliography. (Excluding K-3)
  • Acknowledgements: Note credit given to parents, teachers and other sources.
  • Don't leave anything out!
Page Updated 9/2/2021
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