Quality Science Fair Investigations Noted By Judges

Science Investigations 2016

Well done for making a start on you Science Fair Project for term three. Hopefully this booklet will help give you an understanding of the steps needed to carry out a successful investigation. If you have any further questions about your Science Fair Project you can email me - roddyscoles@tahuna.school.nz and I will reply as soon as possible. You could also talk to Miss Leonard, Mr Wells or Ms Parker if you need help.

Important Dates

Tahuna Science Fair – 4th August

Otago Science and Technology Fair – 8th August

Human and Animal Ethics

Science and technology fair investigations and projects, which involve humans or other animals, must comply with ethical standards. Considering the ethics of a piece of work, and applying for approval if necessary, is a valuable learning experience for students.

Ethics approval is required for a “manipulation” of an animal. Manipulation means doing something to the animal which is different to normal i.e. giving it different food, running it through a maze, making it wear clothes or shoes. Observation of an animal’s behaviour in their normal environment is not a manipulation.

There are two main considerations for activities involving humans. The first is when humans are involved in activities such as tasting or smelling when the substances involved may be toxic or provoke an allergic reaction, or undergo exercise which may trigger unexpected effects in the subject; the second is when information such as weight, height, preferences etc is collected and presented - if this takes place then privacy must be ensured.

Check with Mr Scoles to find out if you require ethics approval. There are some flow charts attached below and it is important if animal ethics approval is needed that you need to get this started as soon as possible. Late ethics approval applications can not be processedroddyscoles@tahuna.school.nz