Last Updated: October 12, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

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Intel NWSE Top Questions
1. Who may enter the Intel NWSE?
2. What kinds of projects may enter an NWSES science expo?
3. What are the deadlines for registering projects?
4. Where can I find complete instructions for preparing and registering students for Intel NWSE?
5. How many students can do one project?
6. Can home school students participate?
7. Why do I have to mail in paperwork when I register online?
8. What is the cost to enter Intel NWSE with a Middle School Project ?
9. What kind of adult supervision is required?

Registration Questions
1. Can an 18 year old sign his own 1B?
2. Registering both Middle and High School students

General Questions
1. What is the Intel Northwest Science Expo (NWSE)?
2. What is the NWSE System of fairs?
3. What are regional fairs?
4. Do I attend a regional fair or the Intel NWSE?
5. How does Intel NWSE communicate with Adult Sponsors?
6. How many students enter the Intel NWSE?
7. What is the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)?
8. Who gets to attend ISEF?
9. What does "ISEF-affiliated" mean?
10. What is the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC)?
11. Who gets to attend the DCYSC?
12. What awards are given?

Preparing for a NWSES fair
1. When can I start my project?
2. Can I continue my project from last year?
3. What is the role of a parent (or mentor) in the student's project?
4. What if I'm not done with my abstract on time?
5. What resources are available for students conducting research for the first time?
6. What if I miss the registration deadline?
7. What help is available for middle school adult sponsors?
8. What paperwork needs to be sent to my fair?
9. When are registration fees due?
10. Who do I mail paperwork and fees to?
11. What forms are required for registration?
12. Who are the adults involved in getting a student to a NWSES fair?

NWSES Rules
1. What are the rules governing student research?
2. What if I want to use Human Subjects?
3. What is an IRB?
4. What is an SRC?
5. What does the "SRC Status" mean?
6. Who needs SRC approval before experimentation?
7. Are there certain kinds of research that are not permitted?

Judging
1. Who are the judges?
2. What is the judging schedule?
3. What criteria do the judges use?
4. What should a student expect in the judging interviews?
5. How should a student prepare for the judging interviews?
6. What is the most important thing the judges are looking for?

The Fair Day
1. What if a student can't attend at the last minute?
2. What is there for students to do during free time?
3. What are the regulations about displays?

Intel NWSE Top Questions
1. Who may enter the Intel NWSE?
Any student in grades 5-8 who is attending a school in Oregon or Vancouver, Washington is invited to present their projects at the Intel NWSE. Home school students are welcome. detailed eligibility information. High School students must qualify for the Intel NWSE through a regional fair. Regional Fair Information is available.

2. What kinds of projects may enter a NWSES science expo?
Students may present science or engineering projects in the areas of the natural sciences, the social sciences, mathematics, or computer science. Each project will be entered into a category. While the student must conduct the work, the student may enlist the advice of a mentor. NWSES fairs are for EXPERIMENTAL research ONLY . Students need to pose a research question and gather the data to answer it. This may include research that is descriptive and pattern seeking if the student collects the data. Or it may include asking an original question that is answered using statistics gathered by other than the student. Modeling projects are allowed if the model is used to answer an experimental research question, the structure of the model is explained and the model is tested.

3. What are the deadlines for registering projects?
All project registrations are due by February 13. No projects will be accepted for competition after February 13, 2008. Online registration is required for all projects.

4. Where can I find complete instructions for preparing and registering students for Intel NWSE?
Directions can be found in the age specific Fall Booklets posted on the home page and downloads page.

5. How many students can do one project?
Two or three students can form a Small Team and compete within the same categories as individual projects. High School Small Teams are eligible for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Four or more students can form a Large Team project. Large Teams can be a whole class or a club or even have members from different schools. Middle School Large Team Projects compete in the appropriate subject category. Middle School Large Team projects are not eligible for the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. High School Large Team projects may compete at a Regional Fair, but are not eligible for ISEF or Intel NWSE.

Special rules apply to Team projects.

8. What is the cost to enter Intel NWSE with a Middle School Project?
For 2008 we will have a sliding fee schedule. Projects submitted online and postmarked by January 30th are $5. Projects submitted and postmarked between January 31st and February 6th are $10. Projects submitted and postmarked between February 7th and February 13th is $15. The final deadline is February 13th. No projects will be accepted after that date.

9. What kind of adult supervision is required?
All projects need an adult sponsor. All adult sponsors must register with NWSE online. Some projects need additional approval and supervision.

General Questions

1. What is the Intel Northwest Science Expo (NWSE)?
The Intel NWSE is an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge-affiliated scientific research competition for Oregon and Clark County Washington students. It is a project of the Center for Science Education at PSU. At Intel NWSE students present a science research project they have completed within the last year in poster form. Students are also interviewed by judges.

2. What is the NWSE System of fairs?
The NWSE System includes Intel ISEF-affiliated fairs in Oregon that cooperate to maximize student opportunities for student research presentations and participation in the Intel ISEF. Intel NWSE is the state level fair. The other fairs are referred to as regional fairs.

3. What are regional fairs?
Regional fairs are the qualifying events for the high school state fair. Some regional fairs serve several counties and some serve only one school. Some regional fairs include high school and middle school; some only high school. Registration for regional fairs occurs on this site. Determine which Regional Fair to attend. All HS students are required to qualify for Intel NWSE through a Regional Fair.

4. Do I attend a regional fair or the Intel NWSE?
High school students MUST attend a Regional Fair to qualify for Intel NWSE. Since not all Regional FAirs accept Middle school students, they may attend Intel NWSE without qualifying at a regional fair. IMPORTANT: complete rules are available.

5. How does Intel NWSE communicate with teachers?
Primarily we use email and this website. We send out updates and reminders of important dates during the school year. We offer to send a mailing in the fall about the rules. All of the information in the mailing is on the website.

6. How many students enter the Intel NWSE?
The NWSE has grown from about 100 high school students in 1984 to 661 students in 2007.

7. What is the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)?
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a week-long research competition and exhibition for high school age students from all over the world. Over 1200 students, representing 40 countries, compete in the annual event that is held each spring. They compete for awards and prizes including scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a trip to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. Students qualify to attend Intel ISEF by winning an ISEF-affiliated fair in their local area. More information about Intel ISEF.

8. Who gets to attend the Intel ISEF?
Each year the Intel NWSE sends the top 6 high school projects to compete at Intel ISEF. Four more projects are selected as alternates and given the opportunity to go to ISEF to observe the competition.

9. What does "ISEF-affiliated" mean?
"ISEF-affiliated" means that Intel NWSE follows the rules of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and sends the winners of the high school competition to compete in Intel ISEF.

10. What is the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC)?
The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge is a national competition for middle school students. Forty finalists spend a week in October in the back rooms of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. competing for scholarships up to $15,000.

11. Who gets to attend the DCYSC?
The top 10% of the Intel NWSE Middle School projects are nominated to participate. Nominated students submit their work to the DCYSC in June. In September semifinalists are named and 40 finalists are chosen from them to compete in Washington, DC. Projects completed by large teams (4 or more) are not eligible for nomination.

12. What awards are given?
Winners will be announced for first, second, and third place and honorable mention for each category; best of fair; and special awards. Scholarships from PSU, OSU, U of O, Lewis and Clark College, and Willamette were awarded in 2006. Our past awards are available on the website.

Preparing for a NWSES Fair
1. When can I start my project?
Formulating the ideas for a project can happen at anytime, however for High School students EXPERIMENTATION CANNOT begin until the appropriate forms are filled out. Also, research must be completed in a one year period. For any projects hoping to compete at the International fair we recommend using the second week in May as your end date.

For Middle School students using the NWSES Middle School Rules, experimentation can begin at anytime.

2. Can I continue my project from last year?
Yes, but students will be judged only on the most recent year's research. Additional rules apply to projects continued from a previous year.

3. What is the role of a parent (or mentor) in the student's project?
At a minimum, a parent of a high school student must sign a form (1B) giving their approval of the project BEFORE experimentation/data collection starts. Any further role for the parent depends on the student, the parent and the project. Parents can also be adult sponsors or mentors depending on their area of expertise. There is always a concern that the project is the parent's, not the student's. The most important thing is that the student is learning science and engineering problem solving. In the total project work, a large majority of the design and implementation needs to be done by the student. However, some projects require more assistance from adults than others. Judges will look for the total creative input of the student. Some projects use professional equipment requiring training and the use of standard protocols. It is ok if the student uses these if the student has counterbalancing creative input into the phrasing of the research question, the experimental or engineering design and the data analysis and conclusions. If it isn't a technical project requiring standard protocols or professional equipment the student should be in charge of everything. In all cases, the student should understand and be able to discuss all aspects of the project. Projects that are so technical that creative input and understanding aren't possible for the particular student really aren't appropriate.

4. What if I'm not done with my data collection by the time my abstract is due?
You must submit your abstract by the due date. At the end of your abstract, make note that you are not done collecting data and therefore have no results at this time. As your abstract is the first thing that the judges see this might be a disadvantage, but it is acceptable. Information on writing an abstract is available.

5. What resources are available for students conducting research for the first time?
The Intel International Science and Engineering website has a Student Handbook that has help with all aspects of doing a project. More helpful advice from former science fair participants is available by clicking here. More information for students, like the Student Checklist, which will lead you through the process of getting ready for the fair, is available at the For Students page.

6. What if I miss the registration deadline?
Those directly entering Intel NWSE must have their paperwork postmarked by February 14th. We will not accept paperwork after that date unless the project is qualifying through a Regional Fair.

7. What help is available for middle school adult sponsors?
Middle School students in 5th-7th grade will be required to follow the NWSES Super EZ Rules for Middle School Projects. These rules allow some types of research projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, microbes, hazardous substances, and human and animal tissue. Please read the Middle School Super EZ Rules carefully (pages 2-4 in MS Fall Booklet). The adult sponsor takes the responsibility that these criteria are met. If they are not, the project will be disqualified at the Intel NWSE. The MS Super EZ form can be signed before, during or after experimentation.

Eighth graders who desire to do a project outside of the Super EZ Rules may petition to use the ISEF rules and forms. This will require their school to hold a Scientific Review Committee meeting with the school principal, a science teacher other than the adult sponsor, and a qualified scientist before the experiment is conducted. The qualified scientist must have experience with the type of project being conducted. See the ISEF rule book for specific requirements. Using the ISEF forms will require a separate login for the adult sponsor. Petitions need to be submitted to Stephanie Jones, Intel NWSE fair director by January 1st.

8. What paperwork needs to be sent to my fair?
One packet from each school needs to be sent to your fair. The packet must include:
-School Registration Form
-Student Packets (NWSES Registration Form, ISEF Forms, NWSES Abstract Form)
-Registration Fees if required.
*Middle School Students following the Super EZ Rules need only turn in the Super EZ form and project procedures.
Complete instructions are in the adult sponsor checklists.

9. When are registration fees and paperwork due?
Registration fees and paperwork must be postmarked by February 14, 2007 for Middle school students only attending Intel NWSE. Regional Fairs have varying deadlines.

10. Who do I mail paperwork and fees to?
If you are competing at a Regional Fair, your paperwork needs to be sent directly to them.

If you are competing at the Intel Northwest Science Expo, mail your paperwork to:
Intel NWSE
Center for Science Education
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751

11. What forms are required for registration?
The Forms Wizard page of the NWSE website will tell you what forms are required for your project. When you use the online registration the registration site will help you determine the forms that you need.

12. Who are the adults involved in getting a student to the NWSE?
Teachers, parents, cooperating scientists or experts, the members of the IRB and SRC all have roles in helping a student prepare for the NWSE.

NWSES Rules

1. What are the rules governing student research?
The Rules section of the NWSE website explains the rules governing student research. More information is available from ISEF website.

2. What if I want to use Human Subjects?
Students whose research involves human subjects, including administering surveys or questionnaires, must have their projects approved by an IRB before beginning experimentation. An IRB consists of 3 or more members with certain qualifications. There are many rules and guidelines for projects with human subjects.

3. What is an IRB?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that, according to federal law, must evaluate the potential physical or psychological risk of research involving human subjects. All proposed human research must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before experimentation begins. This includes any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project. If a project involves human subjects, the student must submit his or her plans to an IRB and fill out additional forms. BEFORE BEGINNING EXPERIMENTATION, (read the rules) Information is available from the ISEF website.

4. What is an SRC?
A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) reviews and approves research projects. An SRC examines projects for the following:
· Evidence of library research
· Type and amount of supervision
· Use of accepted research techniques
· Completed forms and signatures
· Humane treatment of animals
· Compliance with rules and laws governing human and animals research
· Appropriate use of recombinant DNA, pathogenic organisms, tissues and controlled substances.
An SRC consists of 3 or more members with certain qualifications.

5. What does the "SRC status" mean?
All projects submitted to Intel NWSE will be reviewed by the NWSE SRC. This review will take place after experimentation and after your project's paperwork is received by the fair. Some projects require you to arrange for SRC approval before experimentation begins by forming your own local SRC.

6. Who needs SRC approval before experimentation?
High school students with projects involving non-human vertebrates, pathogenic agents, controlled substances, recombinant DNA, and/or human or animal tissue must be reviewed by an SRC before experimentation begins.

• Any project involving vertebrate animals in which 33% or more of any experimental group or subgroup dies intentionally or unintentionally.
• Experiments designed to kill vertebrate animals.
• Alcohol, acid rain, insecticide, herbicide, and heavy metal toxicity or behavioral studies on live vertebrates.
• Experimental procedures that cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary discomfort on any vertebrate animals.
• Operant conditioning with aversive stimuli on vertebrate animals.
• Predator/prey experiments involving vertebrate animals.
• Studies involving food or water deprivation of vertebrate animals inappropriate to the species OR for more than 24 hours.
• Vertebrate animal studies in which weight loss or growth retardation of ANY experimental or control animal exceeds 15%.
• Vertebrate animal studies in which stress factors cause permanent alteration in the psychological or physical well-being of the animals.
• Studies involving common laboratory vertebrates conducted at a student's home. (with some exceptions for behavioral studies)
• Studies with common laboratory vertebrates that are NOT legally acquired from reputable laboratory animal breeders.
• Nonexempt rDNA studies conducted at school.
• Students under 21 may not purchase and /or handle explosive materials.
• Studies involving surveys of humans that violate privacy or other federal regulations.

Judging

1. Who are the judges?
Intel NWSE Judges are drawn from local businesses, academia and government agencies. The most important qualification for any judge is the willingness to commit the time and energy to honor the hard work of the students and to encourage their further interest in science, math and engineering. High school category judges have advanced degrees and research or design experience in the category that they are judging. Category Awards are based on the decision of teams of no fewer than 3 judges. Judges for Special Awards often come from the organization sponsoring the award. All judges are volunteers who's highest priority is to encourage students and honor their hard work.

2. What is the judging schedule?
Judges devote most of a day to evaluating student work. First they examine written abstracts and display boards without students being present. Then they interview students - this is the heart of the process and the interaction between the professional judges and students is what makes Intel NWSE special. Most judges are at the fair from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

3. What criteria do the judges use?
The most important factor in judging is how well scientific and engineering processes are applied in the project. Judges look for well thought-out research and students who can discuss their work with confidence. Specific information about judging is available.

4. What should a student expect in the judging interviews?
Since the judges have already reviewed your poster and abstract, they may ask you questions that clarify the information in them or for a general overview of your project. Judges are not interested in memorized speeches, but simply want to talk with students about their projects. Students should be prepared to communicate their work with enthusiasm.

5. How should a student prepare for the judging interviews?
Though students should not memorize a formal speech, students should think about how they want to present their projects and practice out loud. Practice talking about a project will help the student feel more comfortable. Often a judge will begin an interview by introducing his or her self and saying "So, tell me about your project." Students will have a much less difficult time answering this question if they have thought about their answer in advance.

6. What is the most important thing the judges are looking for?
The most important factor in judging is the proper application of scientific or engineering problem solving.

The Fair Day
1. What if a student can't attend at the last minute?
They forfeit their registration fee and chance to win. Each project must have a student there to talk to the judges. It is best students know this ahead of time when beginning to prepare for Intel NWSE.

2. What is there for students to do during free time?
Planned activities vary each year. These include tours of various science and engineering labs at PSU.

3. What are the regulations about displays?
Regulations regarding displays and pictures of Intel NWSE project displays are available.

Registration Questions

1. Can an 18 year old sign his own 1B?
No, a parent or guardian must sign Form 1B unless the student is emancipated from his parents.

2. Registering both Middle and High School students
Our system is not designed to register both age groups through the same login. A second adult sponsor will be needed. If your organization has both age groups contact Stephanie Jones nwse@pdx.edu for assistance.