2013 Info
The complete international rules can be found here, and all 2013 international science fair forms can be found in the Intel ISEF Document Library.
Students
Topic Selection
If you know you want to compete in the fair but don’t have a project idea yet, you should try Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard.
After you complete it, Science Buddies will suggest projects that are unique to your special interests.
Student Handbook
As an Intel-affiliated Fair, we adhere to the ISEF rules and guidelines. Your teacher may have already given you the 2012 Student Handbook. But if not, you’ll find lots of useful information here about competing at an Intel-Affiliated Science Fair. You should print it out for easy reference.
Enter Your Project into Our Fair
Taking part in the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair is fun, educational and rewarding. Science Buddies is ready to help. Click this link for information that can help you get started, conduct your research properly, and enter the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair which is affiliated with Intel ISEF.
IMPORTANT: Does your Science Fair project need pre-approval before you begin? To answer this question, click here. You may also refer to the International Science & Engineering Fair's Rules Wizzard.
Forms:
You need to complete all the necessary forms in order to compete in the Intel-affiliated Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair. Each student must submit all the required forms as indicated as part of their application. Please refer to the Application webpage.
Master the Abstract Writing Process
Abstracts are no longer required by the CCCSEF as part of the application process. Projects submitted to ISEF will be required to have an abstract sent in at the time of project registration. This link will take you to the Intel ISEF PowerPoint presentation explaining how to write an abstract.
Presenting Your Project at the Fair
In order to compete in the Contra Costa Science & Engineering Fair, students MUST participate in the project judging. This will include meeting face-to-face with members of the Science Fair Judging Team to demonstrate your knowledge of the project that you submitted.
Over 130 judges from a variety of disciplines and industries in Contra Costa County volunteer to judge student projects. They will use specific criteria as they review each project.
During your interview they will be focusing especially on your demonstration of knowledge about the subject matter of your project.
If you have any questions, please check with your teacher or adult sponsor.
For a complete view of the 3-day event and the activities associated with the Science Fair, click here.
Creating an Effective Project Display
The Student Handbook provides an overview about the design and required elements of the Project Display Board. For additional information, ISEF has provided this PowerPoint presentation explaining how to put together a project display. This includes the typical violations.
If you need more detailed information, here’s a link to the ISEF Safety Regulations. Our CCCSEF follows these rules.
Note that this was written for senior level students competing at the international fair, but the principles are almost all true for our fair. One main difference is that we do not have the student display their abstract in a frame.
For more information:
Liz Ritchie, Science Fair Co-Director
1355 Willow Way - Suite 253
Concord, CA 94520
925.684.4995, email