The Intel ISEF forms constitute written documentation of what will occur, or in some cases, has already occurred, in a research project. They are designed to provide the information that is needed to review the project to ensure compliance with the Intel ISEF rules and with laws and regulations that apply to the project.
Use this flow chart to help determine which forms you need to complete. Below are links to each of the forms.
For more help with forms also use the ISEF Rules Wizard. This site walks you through the ISEF forms. When you have an idea for what you will do for your experiment, and BEFORE you do the experiment, go through this online wizard to help you see what forms you will need. Some forms need to be filled out BEFORE starting your work. You may also find out that your type of idea is not even allowed due to safety reasons. These rules are set by the ISEF international committee.
The ISEF Rules page gives the list of rules (for ethical and safety reasons), along with links to the actual forms you’ll need. ISEF Rules are now available in Spanish. The forms must be completed in English but Spanish rules and guidelines are available on the ISEF web site.
Most forms should be filled out and signed BEFORE any research takes place. Only Forms 1C, 7, and the abstract are done AFTER the research. The dates of the signatures reflect when the approval or consent is given.
Form Number |
Title |
Description |
Directions |
Who needs to fill this form out? |
1 |
Provided so that the adult sponsor can review what information (and therefore which forms) must be provided. |
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Everyone |
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1A |
Information form to include contact information (email addresses will be used to contact you about the status of your project), name of project, adult sponsor name and address where research took place. |
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Everyone |
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1B |
Signature form to sign acknowledging that all rules have been read and plan to be followed. Additionally these statements attest that each of these people (or committees) approves or consents to this project. |
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Everyone |
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A summary of experimentation. This form also serves as a checklist for any additional forms that may be needed. |
Maximum of 250 words. An abstract is written after experimentation and includes a few sentences of each area below: a) purpose of the experiment b) procedure c) data collected d) conclusions Local and Regional Fairs may not stamp the abstract. At the State level, students will receive a stamped copy of their abstract in their registration packet. |
Everyone |
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Each student and a parent must sign the form confirming that the project student(s) work and giving permission to display the students name and photo on the NCSEF web site. |
Enter your name, project title and category. Sign and date in both sections. |
Everyone |
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Research Plan |
This is not on a form but needs to be included with all paperwork. This is used for the SRC to assess if all ISEF rules and regulations were followed. |
Your research plan is written prior to experimentation and should reflect what was actually done for your project and the details should match what is written in your abstract. Must include:
Please note that data is not to be included Bibliography – minimal 3 for Elementary and 5 for Junior and Senior |
Everyone |
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1C |
This form is completed by the supervising adult, explains what the student researcher actually did. |
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Research conducted at:
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2 |
On this page, the scientist explains what will be done to oversee this project. |
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Projects involving:
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3 |
Important to ensure that the student understands any risks that may be involved with the project and ensures that all safety precautions were taken. |
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Projects using hazardous chemicals, activities or device. |
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4 |
This page, along with the research plan, is submitted by the student researcher to explain to the IRB how the safety and well being of the test subjects and the confidentiality of results will be ensured. |
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Projects involving human participants (i.e. questionnaires, taking measurements, memory tests, etc) |
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5A |
To list how the animal(s) will be cared for throughout experimentation to ensure that all rules and safety precautions are followed. |
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Projects involving vertebrate animals when the experiment is conducted in a Non-Regulated Research Site such as home or school. |
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5B |
To list how the animal(s) will be cared for throughout the experiment to ensure that all rules and safety precautions are followed. |
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Projects involving vertebrate animals when the experiment is conducted in a Regulated Research Institution. |
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6A |
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) Risk Assessment |
To list what hazards exist and the precautions being taken when working with PHBA. |
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Projects involving microorganisms, recombinant DNA, human or animal blood, tissue or body fluids. |
6B |
Explains the source of the tissue. |
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Projects using human or vertebrate animal tissue |
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7 |
Documentation for a continuation project describing how it differs from the previous year. |
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Anyone conducting a continuation project.
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