0. General Info
Project Guidelines & Suggestions
1. Does your project follow safety guidelines?
Youth Science Canada Safety in STEM Projects
Students are expected to follow safety guidelines whether they are working on their project at home, school, or some other facility. Do any of the following concerns apply to your project?
Chemical safety — Are you handling chemicals that require the use of personal protective equipment (e.g. lab coat, goggles, gloves, etc.)?
- related Youth Science Canada policies: pesticides
- Fire safety — Are you working with an open flame, flammable materials, or a chemical reaction that produces heat?
- related Youth Science Canada policies: dangerous and explosive materials
- Electrical safety — Are you working with an electrical current, even something from a small battery?
- Structural and mechanical safety — Are you building something with dangerous moving parts or something that is heavy or large enough to hurt someone?
- related Youth Science Canada policies: boilers and pressure vessels
- Biohazards — Are you working with biohazards such as bacteria, tissue samples, blood, or blood products?
- related Youth Science Canada policies: biosafety practices, recombinant DNA and biotechnological safety
- Other
- see Youth Science Canada policies on firearms and projectiles, lasers
Health Canada list of disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19
Use a disinfectant approved by Health Canada to wipe down shared equipment. These include products such as Lysol Wipes, Clorox Wipes, or a 1:50 dilution of household bleach.
VDSF safety checklist
Safety guidelines also apply to project displays at VDSF. Your project display must pass an inspection with a safety officer before judging can proceed.
2. Does your project require ethics approval?
Youth Science Canada Ethics in STEM Projects
See the Ethics Approval page.
Be prepared to present your completed ethics forms at any time during VDSF. If your project involves a survey, include your Letter of Information and blank copies of the survey and participant permission form.
3. NEW Does your project involve the use of generative AI?
Youth Science Canada guidelines for using generative AI in STEM Projects
Adapted with thanks from a document developed by the Calgary Youth Science Fair Committee
The difference between generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and traditional artificial intelligence (AI) is described here: Generative AI vs Traditional AI: Understanding the Differences and Advantages (UpGrad)
If you are using GAI in your project, clearly state its role in your project and be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of the technology, explain its limitations, and address any questions and ethical concerns. Keep the use of GAI within the scope and objectives of your project.
To cite the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI in your project, you can refer to this resource from the APA style blog: How to cite ChatGPT
4. How is your project evaluated?
The evaluation criteria used by VDSF judges remains the same as in previous years.
Judging rubric (EXPERIMENT) || Judging rubric (INNOVATION) || Judging rubric (STUDY)
What do judges look for when listening to your presentation? Check out this clip:
[Last updated: December 2024]