Times
Planning Committee
Eligibility
Project Categories
Entry Deadlines
Entry Numbers
Types of Projects
Team Efforts
Two-Year Projects
Project Removal
Use of Animals
Use of Plants
Human Subjects
Use of Weapons
Hazardous Substances
Display Specifications
Judging & Awards
Entry Form
Links

CSSF Awardees

2011 Medal Winners

2011 State Science Fair Winners
Use of Hazardous Substances in Projects
Students intending to work with substances that may be hazardous must follow the rules below. For the purposes of the Humboldt County Science Fair, any product labeled "Danger, Caution or Warning" will be considered a Hazardous Substance. Students using products of this type must submit their experimental methods to the School Science Fair Coordinator for approval. The School Science Fair Coordinator will advise the student of safe handling procedures, safe concentrations of chemicals, concerns about fumes or if eye wear is required for safety. Teachers, students and parents should be aware many chemicals and commercial products commonly used in the home may pose potential health hazards.
Research Advisors
  • To ensure the safety of the student and any people or animals in the vicinity of the project, students using hazardous materials in their projects must have a Research Advisor approve his/her plans PRIOR to beginning work on the project. Research Advisors for such projects must be the School Science Fair Coordinator. The Advisor will meet with the student and a responsible adult who will personally supervise all student work involving the substance.
  • Students must provide the Research Advisor with all of the Following:
    1. a written description of procedures they plan;
    2. a copy of these Humboldt County regulations pertaining to the use of hazardous substances;
    3. a copy of the Humboldt County Science Fair Research Approval Certificate; and
    4. a copy of the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any hazardous substance with a label including the words 'danger', 'caution', or 'warning' if the substance is used in the science fair project.
  • The Research Advisor must:
    1. research potential hazard and safety guidelines identified on the MSDS for each substance
    2. inform the Adult Supervisor of potential risks associated with the substance to be used
    3. complete Part I of the Research Approval Certificate. A copy of this Certificate must be submitted with the Humboldt County Science Fair Entry Form, and a copy must be placed in the logbook.
Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  • Materials Safety Data Sheets are required for all hazardous substances purchased from scientific supply companies (as identified by the General Industry Safety Order 5194). A copy of the MSDS sheet can be obtained at the store where the item was purchased or by writing to the address of the manufacturer of the product.
  • Copies of the MSDS needed must be included in the student's logbook.
Illegal Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco
  • Students may not use any illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products for a science fair project investigation.

NOTE: Research Approval Certificate - page 20-21