Read before registering!

Safety is an important consideration for this event. We are concerned not only for the safety of participants, but also the safety of volunteers, judges, and guests of the fair. Our parent organization, Youth Science Canada, has strict safety requirements for the national level.

In keeping with these national level safety requirements, the Regina Regional Science Fair has adopted many of these national level requirements in order to minimize risk to all people in the exhibit hall. As part of the registration process, you will have to fill out a safety form. Please ensure that you read this form carefully and make sure your project meets the requirements.

Project diplays that do not meet the requirements will be modified by safety officers on-site on the day of the fair before being allowed to continue participation. Particpants will not be penalized; however, we also understand that matters of safety overrule all others, especially where hundreds of children and youth will be involved. Please consult the following FAQ for ways to avoid potential safety issues.

RRSF Safety: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please note the change in the maximum allowable height of projects, effective for the 2011 fair!

What types of safety hazards will Safety Officers be looking for?

The Safety Officers are concerned with project size (W 1.2m, D 0.8m, H 2.5m from the floor), sharps hazards, liquid hazards, flame hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, and electrical hazards. The full safety list will be present during your registration.

How can I display my project if I can't have "X"?

You can show pictures or a video of your project, including "X", or you can make a demonstration of your project where "X" is replaced with something harmless.

Will I be penalized for not having "X" at my display because it is unsafe?

No. The judges are aware of the safety rules. You will not be penalized for not presenting a component of your project due to safety concerns

But my project is more exciting if I can show "X" at my display! How can I make an impression on the judges without it?

You are not being judged on being flashy and exciting. You are being judged on your knowledge of the science in your project. You will make the best impression by understanding and being able to explain the science.

Can I bring my plants/fungi/animals/microorganisms?

NO. Do not bring plants / fungi / animals / microorganisms to the fair.

Plants (and soil) can contain psychoactive compounds or allergens. Many fungi and microorganisms create toxic or psychoactive products as part of their metabolism. Animals can also cause allergic reactions, and preservatives used on animals can also be toxic. All of these things are not permitted under our safety rules.

When should I substitute a dangerous material with something not dangerous, as opposed to removing it entirely?

As a rule, ask yourself what role the component is meant to play. If you have some common but dangerous material (like alcohol) present at your display just to show that you used it, then it really serves no purpose. Judges are quite capable of imagining those things. However, if some component is integral to a demonstration or part of the display itself, or unique (such that a judge would not know what it was) then a substitution would be recommended. Use photographs/video as your primary means of substitution.

What constitutes a chemical?

Anything that could participate in a chemical reaction is a chemical. This means almost any substance, including water, is a chemical. However, we are not trying to be unreasonable. The Regina Regional Science Fair understands that some chemicals are largely not harmful if ingested, inhaled or spilled on the skin. Water, salt, baking soda, and toothpaste are examples of chemicals that would be allowed. Poisons (like alcohol), corrosives (like drain cleaner), flammables (like gasoline), drugs (like aspirin), and oxidizers (like bleach) would not.

How much liquid can I have?

There can be no more than one litre of liquid, in sealed containers. This rule will be enforced actively and strictly.

What is considered a biological hazard?

We are primarily concerned with infectious, toxic, or decaying material. Examples would include bacterial cultures, molds, plants, and animal parts, all of which are not allowed.

What kinds of substitutions can be made?

You will not be penalized for substituting harmful substances with harmless ones. Examples include water with blue food colouring for copper II sulfate, or baking soda mixed with green and blue Kool-Aid crystals for detergent. The best substitutes are photographs and video.

Where is the full list of safety requirements?

The full list of requirements will appear when you go to register online. You will have to individually certify that you meet each requirement before you can complete your registration. There is also a link below that will take you to the full list of safety requirements.

I want to see the full list of safety requirements. (Recommended!)

I understand the safety requirements and am ready to register online

I would like to see instructions for registration

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