MCSD STEM Activities Coordinator Information
2023-2024
MCRSEF Coordinators
Mrs. Shannon Parks: parkss@martinschools.org
Mrs. Danielle Buddin: buddind@martinschools.org
Please see important resources below.
SRC-IRB Paperwork due 11/17
Registration Google form due 1/19 so we can get an accurate count and set-up project numbers
Boards and log books delivery must be delivered/scheduled by the STEAM Activities Coordinator
Secondary STEM Fair Registration- Coming Soon!
Science Fair Rules and Guidelines (MUST review ALL documents)
Monthly Support Meetings: 11/1/23; 12/6/23; 1/10/24; 1/23/24
Zoom invites will be sent via email
For a complete list of category descriptions, click here.
Science Fair Vocabulary
Project Proposal - the forms and research plan you need to complete BEFORE you begin. This is submitted to your Teacher and/or SRC/IRB for approval.
FTQ - Failure to Qualify - project is disqualified from competition.
SRC/IRB - a committee of adults that will review your planned project to make sure it’s safe before you begin.
PHBA - “Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents” This refers to ANY biological organism such as microorganisms, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids.
PROJECTS INVOLVING PHBA’S CANNOT BE DONE AT HOME!
Project Expectations - Paperwork
Required for all projects:
Form 1 - Checklist for Adult Sponsor
Form 1A - Student Checklist
Form 1B - Approval
Form 3 - Risk Assessment
Be BRIEF on the forms, and detailed on the Research Plan.
Add pages if you need to
General Considerations
Projects involving ANY of the following MUST be pre-approved by an SRC/IRB Committee before the student starts!!
Research involving humans as the subjects of study
Research involving vertebrate animals as the subjects of study
Research involving Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBAs)
Research involving Hazardous Chemicals, Activities & Devices
Sketchy stuff!
It is better to err on the side of caution and get the project pre-approved than end up with a disqualification.
SRC/IRB Committee members CANNOT serve as a mentor, adult sponsor, designated supervisor, or qualified scientist or be a family member.
PHBAs
Cannot be done at home
BSL-2 - Seniors only, Qualified Scientist required.
Fungi, mold, etc - check the BSL designation
It’s not just about the organism, it’s about the PROCEDURES
To stay BSL-1: DO NOT UNSEAL THE CULTURE!!!
Personal safety and disposal are critical
Humans participants
ALWAYS get consent.
Adults = over 18, not in school (can consent online)
Minors = parent permission
Must have permission to use ANY published research instruments.
Third IRB member profession must match nature of participant risks.