Participating in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a valuable endeavor for high school students internationally.

However, before you can present your groundbreaking research, you must accurately complete ISEF forms.

This guide will walk you through each step so that you can focus more on the project.

Understanding the Importance of ISEF Forms ISEF forms are crucial as they ensure that your project adheres to ethical standards and safety regulations.

These forms also provide a clear outline of your research, methodologies, and findings, which judges and other stakeholders will review.

Properly filled forms can make a significant difference in how your project is perceived.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information Before you start filling out the forms, gather all the information related to your project.

This includes your research plan, institutional approvals, and safety information.

Having all this information at your fingertips will streamline the form completion process.

Certain types of projects will need additional forms, so make sure that you plan for that early on.

Step 2: Identify the Required Forms ISEF requires different forms depending on the nature of your project.

A complete list of the forms is here for convenience.

Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form Form 1A: Student Checklist Form 1B: Approval Form Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form Form 3: Risk Assessment Form Form 4: Human Participants Form Form 5A: Vertebrate Animal Form (for research at non-regulated sites) Form 5B: Vertebrate Animal Form (for research at regulated research institutions) Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form Form 7: Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form Refer to the ISEF rules and guidelines to determine which forms apply to your project.

You can find detailed information on the ISEF Forms page and ISEF Overview of Forms and Dates page.

Step 3: Complete Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form The adult sponsor plays a crucial role in ensuring your project adheres to safety and ethical standards.

This form requires the project title, project objectives, and an assessment of risk.

The sponsor should evaluate any potential risks involved in your project.

Step 4: Fill Out Form 1A: Student Checklist Form 1A details your research plan and includes sections for your research plan/project summary, designated supervisor, and school information.

Step 5: Form 1B: Approval Form This form requires signatures from the student(s), a parent or guardian, and a school administrator.

Each party must sign to confirm their understanding and approval of the project.

Ensure all signatures are obtained before submission.

Step 6: Qualified Scientist Form (Form 2) If your project involves potentially hazardous materials or procedures, a qualified scientist must oversee your work.

This form requires the scientist’s qualifications and supervision details.

Ensure the scientist reviews and approves your research plan.

You may consider searching for a mentor who can help you with the project and also serve this role.

Watch Rishab's video to learn how to find a mentor. https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=tKmS4UZbfII Step 7: Risk Assessment Form (Form 3) This form evaluates any potential risks associated with your project.

Include descriptions of any hazardous materials, devices, or procedures you will use, along with the safety precautions you will take to minimize risks.

Be thorough in your risk assessment to ensure the safety of all involved.

Step 8: Human Participants Form (Form 4) If your project involves human participants, you must complete this form.

It requires informed consent documentation, surveys or questionnaires, and IRB approval.

Ethical considerations are paramount when working with human participants.

Step 9: Vertebrate Animal Forms (Forms 5A and 5B) If your project involves vertebrate animals, complete the appropriate form.

Form 5A is for research conducted at a non-regulated research site, while Form 5B is for research conducted at a regulated research institution.

Provide details about the care and treatment of the animals to ensure ethical standards are met.

Step 10: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (Form 6A) If your research involves potentially hazardous biological agents, you need to fill out Form 6A.

This form requires detailed information about the biological agents used, the level of risk involved, and the safety precautions you will take.

This includes any necessary approvals from relevant authorities or institutions.

Step 11: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (Form 6B) For projects involving human or vertebrate animal tissues, Form 6B must be completed.

This form requires information about the source of the tissue, the methods of collection, and any associated risks.

Ensure all ethical guidelines are followed and documented.

Step 12: Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form (Form 7) If your project is a continuation of previous research, you must fill out Form

7. This form requires a summary of the previous research, including results and conclusions, and an explanation of how the current project builds on it.

Make sure to highlight any new aspects or innovations in your current research.

Step 13: Review and Submission Before submitting your forms, review each one carefully to ensure all information is correct and complete.

Missing or incorrect information can delay the approval process.

Once you are confident everything is in order, submit your forms to your fair's Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) as required.

Conclusion Completing ISEF forms may seem daunting, but with careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the requirements, you can navigate the process successfully.

These forms are necessary to make sure that your project meets high standards of scientific research and ethical conduct.

For personalized guidance and expert advice on completing your ISEF forms and enhancing your project, consider joining sciencefair. io’s mentorship program, which includes coaching calls from past ISEF winners.

Their A-Z science fair masterclass is designed to help students like you succeed and potentially win at ISEF.

With professional mentorship and comprehensive resources, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your science fair goals.