The Academy of Science - St. Louis Science Fair

Science-Technology-Engineering-Math

Inquiry-Based Learning at it's Best!

Welcome to the Fair

Students should complete the safety form and attach it to the inside cover of their log book. Students should also provide detailed descriptions on how they followed the safety guidelines in their log book.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT SAFETY FORM - REQUIRED FOR EVERY PROJECT (worth 10 points)

Animals:  no animal (this includes invertebrates) should be harmed or caused pain.

Recording:  all safety procedures need to be recorded in your log book.






Signed Safety Form:  a signed safety form must be included on the inside cover of your logbook. (Please fold the form over to conceal your identity during judging)

Gloves:  safety gloves should be used for any testing with food or chemicals.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses should be used for any experiments with chemicals or if any kind of splash may come in contact with your eyes

Allergies: Remember human subjects may be allergic to different substances. Always ask about allergies. Human subjects under 18 need signed 2020 CONSENT FORM FOR HUMAN STUDIES to participate.

Fire: Projects in grades K-5 are not allowed that involve fire or burning objects.             

"SELECT DIVISION" for projects in grades 6-12 that involve fire or burning objects will be allowed with additional authorization form.  Authorization form will require signature of parents and teacher and need to be approved by Academy of Science - St. Louis Science Fair Safety Committee BEFORE experimentation begins.  CLICK HERE FOR 2020 SELECT DIVISION APPROVAL FORM 1A

Humans: No experiments should be done on humans that can cause any potential harm to the human. Exceptions include observational type studies such as thinking type exercises, etc. Bottom line…it is ok as long as there is no possible way that any person can be harmed. Note:  you need written parental permission for students to be involved in any experiments including taste testing.   2020 CONSENT FORM FOR HUMAN STUDIES.

Bacteria: Due to the potential for inhaling or coming in contact with harmful bacteria, students should avoid projects where they collect bacteria and then grow bacteria cultures. While this can be done safely, the potential exists for a very harmful pathogen to be inhaled or come in contact with the student.

Other: No experiments will be allowed using firearms. Experiments using prescription drugs, illegal drugs or alcohol will NOT be allowed.

Can I….

Q. Explore the effect on mold on bread?
A. Use gloves and a mask…some may be allergic so be careful.  Project needs adult supervision and containment.






Q. Use household chemicals in my experiment?
A. You may use household chemicals as long as all safety procedures on the chemical packaging are followed. Adult supervision should be given.

Q. Have people eat or drink (taste test) different food or beverage?
A. Yes, but you should ask about all allergies. A permission form from each student’s parents must be signed before any taste testing is done. These permission forms should be included in the final project.  2020 Consent Form For Human Studies.

Q. Have animals eat or drink different kinds of dog food in various amounts?
A. Yes, but animals should not be harmed in any way and you need written permission from your parent/guardian before experimentation.  Parent/guardian supervision is required for all animal experimentation.



Q. Is it ok to have people hit a ball with a bat for various tests?
A. Yes, however, you need a 2020 Consent Form for Human Studies from the parent/guardian and constant supervision by an adult. To prevent injury, the area must be clear from other humans. Participants need to wear a helmet.

Q. What special precautions should I use if my experiment includes use of a stove or oven?
A. A parent or teacher must be present to supervise. Oven mitts should be used to handle a hot pan or tray. Make sure small children are not near the oven.  All project involving fire (even a stove) must have the CLICK HERE FOR 2020 SELECT DIVISION APPROVAL FORM 1A

Here is a suggestion on how a safe project concerning toothpaste might be designed and included in logbook as safety precautions:
A permission slip needs to be signed by an adult. New toothbrushes need to be used for each person. Only apply toothpaste to new toothbrushes. Wear gloves. No toothbrush can be reused.  Toothbrushes need to be disposed of in trash bag, seal the bag and disposed of in a trash can.

If you have questions, contact your school science teacher. 
If you need further assistance, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Fair Director, Academy of Science - St. Louis Science Fair 314-533-8291
peggyn (at) academyofsciencestl.org