2010 Winners
For Students
For Judges
For Teachers
For Mentors

Display Rules

  1. The maximum width, depth, and height, of a display shall be:
    Maximum width: 4 feet (122 cm)
    Maximum depth: 2.5 feet (76 cm)
    Maximum height: If on a table: 6.5 feet (198 cm) above the top of the table
    If on the floor: 9 feet (274 cm) above the floor
    1. Projects displayed on tables (the preferred standard) may extend no more than 6.5 feet above the surface of the table. Projects which require floor access may be no more than 9 feet tall. Projects with floor displays will be placed out of numerical sequence and possibly away from other projects in the same subject category.
    2. All projects must fit within these prescribed space limitations at all times. Anything that exceeds the limits must be removed or the project will be disqualified.
  3. Students must be present at their display during the judging period or the project will not be judged. For team projects, a minimum of one-half of the authors must be present before judging will be allowed.
  4. The student's original laboratory notebook must be present for inspection during judging. However, it is advised that this notebook be on display only during the actual judging period.
  5. Safety Concerns relative to the displays:
    • All project displays must adhere to all local, state, and federal laws for public safety. Lasers must be appropriately shielded. Projects must sustain their own weight.
    • No hazardous materials may be exhibited at the project display. This includes, but is not limited to, acids, unsecured glassware, mercury (including within thermometers), hazardous microbes, carcinogenic and radioactive materials, open flames, and unsealed foodstuffs which may attract pests. For these items, the substitution of illustrations or photographs is encouraged. Materials in violation of this rule will be marked and must be removed by the participant before judging will be allowed. The judgment of the Directors of Judging is the final authority on permissible materials.
    • The NHSEE will disqualify any project deemed unsafe.
  6. Displays may not contain any living organism. This prohibition includes all animals, plants, and studied collections of microscopic life forms such as bacteria, fungi, and molds. The display of preserved animals is not permitted. Projects may not display photographs of procedures detrimental to the health and well being of vertebrate animals. Photographs of surgical procedures may not be exhibited.
  7. Electricity will be available only for Challenge Projects. Entries requesting electrical power will be provided with one 110 volt outlet. Entrants must bring their own UL approved three-prong grounded extension cord (plan for up to 50 ft). The NHSEE does not provide extension cords. Also bring tape (2 or 3 inches wide) to secure the wire to the floor. No gas or water outlets are provided.
  8. All projects must clearly distinguish between the work of the student participant and the work of others. Students participating in a research opportunity in industry, a university, hospital, or institution other than their school, must display only their research. Students must clearly specify the assistance received and the role and contributions of others in the project. It is required that such projects be accompanied by a letter from the principal research director indicating the level of his/her involvement in the student project. This letter should be included in the project notebook.
  9. Awards won in previous competitions may not be displayed or announced.
  10. Participants are not permitted to distribute any items to the judges.
Important: Loss or damage of valuable equipment, such as computers, may be part of the display only if the student participant accepts full responsibility. It is advised that valuable materials (e.g. computers, research notebook) be on display only during the actual judging period. Although precautionary security service will be provided, the NHSEE assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any project or project part. Exhibitors must exercise care in protecting equipment. It is advisable to have an extra copy of notebooks and all printed materials.