Simcoe Science and Technology Fair

Safety

There is an expectation that all exhibitors will conduct and display their research in a safe manner.

Safe Research

It is the responsibility of the student and their adult supervisor, to consider all safety aspects of the project, and to ensure that best practices are followed. Your adult or scientific supervisor may have advice on safe practices. Youth Science Canada provides some general safety guidelines:

• Chemical, fire, electrical, structural and mechanical, biohazards and biosafety
• Dangerous and Explosive Materials
• Recombinant DNA and Biotechnological Safety
• Boilers and Pressure Vessels
• Biosafety Practices
• Firearms and Projectiles
• Pesticides
• Lasers

Safety At the Fair

Please be aware that your Science Fair display may not contain any plants, dirt, mould, bacteria, petri dishes, or more than 1 litre of any liquid. You may use these items in your experiment but you may not bring them to the fair. Photos, videos, or other creative alternatives can be used to create a safe display.

Ethics

Scientific and technological investigations must be undertaken with integrity. Participating students must ensure that the involvement of humans as participants in their research is necessary and if so, students have a duty to protect the wellbeing, dignity and privacy of individuals. The welfare of any animals that are subject to investigation must always be respected. Any experimentation carried out in the natural environment must avoid causing harm to the ecosystem.

If you are experimenting on humans or animals, you must carefully follow the procedures outlined below. Some projects require approval BEFORE you start experimenting, and in most cases there are important forms that must be completed in order for you to participate in the regional Science Fair.

Testing on Humans?

For more information on proper procedures and REQUIRED FORMS for human testing, please see Human Testing.
If you are testing on people, even if they are answering questionnaires or surveys, you must have informed consent from all participants. If you do not follow this protocol you will not be able to compete in the regional Science Fair, no exceptions! Depending on the level of risk involved in the experiment, there are procedures that must be followed.

Testing on Animals?

For more information on proper procedures and REQUIRED FORMS for animal testing, please see Animal Testing.
ALL students with projects involving animals must:

• Find a Scientific Supervisor to provide advice on ethics; this person should have expertise in the area of study
• Create a research plan with their supervisor. Feel free to use the template Use of Animals Research Plan
• Comply with applicable federal legislation (e.g. Health of Animals Act;  Criminal Code of Canada section 446, Cruelty to Animals,  provincial legislation)