Rules
Review the current rules, requirements, and expectations for participation.
Science Fair Rules and Guidelines
Purpose of the Science Fair
The Imbewu Foundation Science Fair gives learners the opportunity to explore scientific ideas, solve problems, build projects and present their work to others.
The goal is to encourage curiosity, creativity, research skills, innovation and confidence in young scientists.
Who May Enter
Learners may enter according to the grade categories published for each event.
Each project must be entered under the correct grade group or category. Learners, parents and teachers must check the event information carefully before submitting an entry.
Project Team Size
Projects may be completed individually or in teams, depending on the rules of the specific event.
Where team projects are allowed, all team members must contribute meaningfully to the project.
Project Requirements
Each project should include:
- a clear problem or research question;
- background research;
- a hypothesis or proposed solution, where applicable;
- a method or design process;
- results, observations or testing data;
- a conclusion;
- a display, report or presentation suitable for judging.
The project must show the learner’s own understanding and effort.
Original Work
Learners must submit their own work.
Parents, teachers and mentors may guide and support learners, but they may not complete the project on behalf of the learner.
Any information, images, code, data or ideas taken from other sources must be acknowledged.
Plagiarism or dishonest work may result in disqualification.
Safety Rules
All projects must be safe for learners, judges, visitors and the public.
Projects may not include dangerous materials, unsafe experiments or harmful activities.
The following may require special approval or may not be allowed:
- hazardous chemicals;
- open flames or explosives;
- sharp objects or dangerous equipment;
- live animals;
- human testing;
- electrical setups that are not safely built;
- biological materials;
- anything that may cause harm or discomfort.
Learners must follow all safety instructions given by the organisers.
Ethical Conduct
Projects must respect people, animals and the environment.
Learners may not collect personal information, conduct surveys or perform testing on people without proper permission.
Projects involving people, animals or sensitive data may require additional approval before being accepted.
Display Rules
Each project display should be neat, clear and easy to understand.
Displays should usually include:
- project title;
- learner name or team name;
- school name, where applicable;
- research question or problem statement;
- method;
- results;
- conclusion;
- acknowledgements.
The organisers may provide specific display size limits for each event.
Judging
Judges may evaluate projects based on:
- creativity and originality;
- scientific thinking;
- research quality;
- method or design process;
- accuracy of results;
- problem-solving;
- presentation skills;
- learner understanding;
- overall impact.
Learners should be able to explain their project clearly and answer questions from the judges.
Behaviour at the Event
All learners, parents, teachers, mentors and visitors must behave respectfully.
Participants must:
- arrive on time;
- follow the instructions of organisers;
- respect judges and other participants;
- avoid disrupting other projects;
- keep the venue clean;
- remain honest and polite throughout the event.
Poor behaviour may lead to removal from the event.
Photography and Media
The organisers may take photos or videos during the event for communication, reporting or promotional purposes.
Parents or guardians should inform the organisers before the event if they have concerns about photography or media use.
Entry Fees and Registration
Entry fees, registration dates and submission requirements will be published for each event.
Entries may only be confirmed once the required registration process has been completed.
Late entries may not be accepted.
Changes and Cancellations
The organisers may update event details, rules, dates, venues or requirements when necessary.
Any important changes will be communicated through the official Imbewu Foundation communication channels.
Final Decision
The decision of the organisers and judges is final.
The purpose of the event is to encourage learning, growth and excellence. All participants are encouraged to use feedback positively and continue developing their ideas.