General Rules and

Contest Information

Contestants must be present on the contest day, (3/08/08 for the west side and 3/29/08 for the east side).

Entry categories are by grade level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12.

Students may prepare for more than one contest, but they may only enter events that do not have time conflicts for their grade level. All contests except Biomass and Bridge Contest require your presence at the scheduled time. Students may leave their plants, and/or bridges (and appropriate written material) with the judges for those two contests and participate in another contest if they wish. Check the time schedule before registering.

Rules for some contests have changed and there may also be additional rules. Read them carefully to be sure you are in compliance with the 2008 rules.

Participants pick up their registration packets the morning of the contest in the auditorium lobby from 8:00-9:45 a.m. The program begins in the auditorium/gym at 9:00 a.m.

Attendance at the keynote presentation is free to participants and accompanying family and teachers.

There is no charge for parents, teachers, and others who wish to attend opening and closing activities and observe individual contests. Be aware that some rooms (notably the chemistry labs) have very little available space for observers. Judges may limit the number of non-participants who are admitted.

Parents, teachers, and other non-participants are not allowed to assist students during contests.

Some contests REQUIRE a Certificate of Eligibility (see registration form) and/or other written summaries. Judges may exclude contestants who come without these required materials.

Our facility is handicapped accessible. Efforts to accommodate students with special needs will be made. Please contact us in advance to make arrangements for accommodations.

Awards will be presented at 1:15 pm. Winners are not required to be present at the Awards Presentation. Contestants who attend the awards presentation are asked to remain throughout the entire ceremony as a gesture of respect for those receiving awards later.

Where possible, suggested readings have been included to assist students who have never participated in a particular contest. These readings are by no means the only information available. Contestants are encouraged to consider the Internet, other sources, and to consult with students who have participated in previous years as they prepare for the contests. Books and materials are available at the Pacific Science Center Explore More Store (206-443-2870) in Seattle and other bookstores specializing in academic aids. Some are school textbooks.

Judges have the authority to disqualify contestants who engage in behavior that is discourteous or disrespectful toward judges and/or other contest participants. Judges' decisions are final.