Guidelines

Teams Formation

Each team consists of 1-3 members. There are no restrictions on the backgrounds of teammates such as which school they attend apart from the requirment that no team member should have progressed to high school in case the team competes in the Junior Category.

Teams with projects that have participated in other competitions are also encouraged to join.

Please note that whether students from the American College of Sofia in teams of three will be able to claim their bonuses is still subject to discussion.

Experiment

An experiment is a research of a question in an attempt to prove an arguable answer of it (a hypothesis). All experiments should have a clearly stated question and an arguable hypothesis (do not try to prove a fact). The question guiding the investigation should be relevant to modern scientific or industrial issues. All participants must have a Lab Report at the fair. It should include the following sections:

Abstract (100-200 word summary)
Stated research question, hypothesis, variables and constants
Background Research
Materials
Procedure
Data and Analysis
Discussion
Conclusion
Further Research Questions
References / Work-Cited Page: a MLA-format citations of all the sources of information you used. For more info on, MLA please visit: Purdue or EasyBib

All authors of experiments must bring a report at the fair. It is not mandatory for the presentation to follow the report exactly, but we recommend communicating the most important points. You can also have a separate copy of the report in the form of a booklet. In the presentation, you need to summarize your research question and hypothesis, the procedure you used for the investigation, the data you collected, the results of your research and the conclusions that you reached. You may also mention noteworthy information about the references you consulted, your materials, modifications you made or challenges you experienced. You may also emphasise the importance of your investigation and point out what studies you think should follow this experiment. You can find more information about what each part should include here. Also, feel free to check the example here.

Working Model

A working model is a portable construction of a mechanism or an invention that does certain work. This project type may include robots, machines, electronic devices, computer programs, etc. The invention MUST do some work and have some application. In the presentation, participants need to summarize the background research, the device they are demonstrating, and its wider purpose.
Incorporate all the capabilities of your model into your presentation. Also discuss the process of construction, the materials, modifications made, challenges experienced, or things you would do different if you were to do this project again. Models are displayed on the project tables alongside your posters. If there are any circumstances which hinder the live demonstration of your project, you must provide a video of the working model and a thorough explanation. The video should be with you at the fair on a flash drive.

Requirements

At FISSION, all participants MUST:

Be able to present their projects orally before the judges and answer questions about their project. Each presentation must be in English, and its duration should be between 5 and 10 minutes. It is to be followed by a five-minute period in which the jurors can ask questions. Participants who are not confident with their English may use a language helper provided by us.
Additionally:
- All participants, regardless of the category in which they compete, may prepare a video demonstrating and explaining their work (model or experiment) that is to be sumbitted before the respective deadline and that should be of appropriate length. However, a live demonstration is preferable.
- All who participate with an Experiment must have a lab report of their work. These reports are needed for the jury to determine the winning project in each type and must be submitted before the respective deadline.
- All who participate with a Working Model must provide a report with the working principles and materials of their model, which are needed for the jury to determine the winning project in each type. This report should be submitted before the respective deadline.
For further instructions, check the rubric tables down below:

Rubric for Original Experimental Project

Criteria / Score	5	3	1
Abstract	Summarizes results clearly. Includes at least one major point from the experiment. Attempts to connect with relevant research.	One or two of the criteria on the left are missing.	Does not include any relevant conclusions from the experiment.
Overall grasp of the scientific method	Students designed an experiment with clear control and experimental groups that effectively tested a hypothesis (where applicable).	Students designed an experiment with control and experimental groups that were related indirectly to the hypothesis.	Students designed an experiment that did not effectively test a hypothesis and had inadequate control and experimental groups.
Research question or Hypothesis	Independent and dependent variables are clearly defined and measurable. The hypothesis is stated with support from background information.	One of the criteria on the left is missing.	All of the criteria on the left are missing.
Background information / Theory	All terms are defined. Multiple sources are used and referenced in a bibliography. Concepts related to the problem are clearly explained. Information stated is related to hypothesis	One or two of the criteria on the left are not met.	Limited detail
Materials	All necessary materials are listed and in sufficient detail.	All necessary materials are listed but not in sufficient detail.	An incomplete list of materials.
Procedure	Design is a well-constructed test of the stated hypothesis. Lists specific sequences of steps. Explains how independent variables are manipulated. Explains how dependent variables are measured or described. Provides for control of other variables. Provides enough data to draw a conclusion. Steps are in sufficient detail that another individual could duplicate the experiment. Includes duplication of the experiment.	Two of the criteria on the left are missing or inappropriate.	Four or more of the criteria on the left are missing or inappropriate.
Results	Tables of data are included and appropriate. The appropriate graph used, or multiple graphs used as warranted. In rare cases in which data cannot be quantified, results are summarized clearly and visually.	One or more of the criteria at left is missing.	Data is missing or is inappropriately displayed.
Discussion	Students completely understand the topic and use scientific terminology properly and effectively. Summarizes the data and uses it as support in answering the problem. Relates background information to data and analysis. Summarizes and reevaluates the experimental procedure, including relevant sources of error. Relates the study to the general interest, other studies that have been or could be conducted.	Students demonstrate a solid understanding of the topic and adequate use of scientific terminology. One of the other criteria mentioned at left is missing.	Students lack an understanding of the topic and incorrectly use scientific terminology. And / or is missing two of the previously mentioned criteria.
Conclusion	Accepts or rejects hypothesis or answers the problem. States the relationship between the two variables. Conclusion precisely stated, relates directly to support or non-support of the hypothesis. Suggests recommended improvements for this experiment. Suggests possibilities for further study.	One of the criteria on the left is missing or inappropriate.	Two or more of the criteria on the left are missing or inappropriate.
Layout	All expected components are present and clear. Text is concise and free of grammar and spelling errors. Layout is clear and color choices are harmonious. References are clearly displayed in proper MLA format. Display meets requirements. Technical drawings are included and are neatly drawn.	Two of the components on the left are inadequate.	Four of the components on the left are inadequate.
Originality	These are additional credits awarded by the jurors on their judgement of the social impact of the work as well as the use of innovative technology or experimental approach.	-	-

Rubric for Working Model Project

Criteria / Score	5	3	1
Creativity and Originality	Provides a solution: theoretical or practical to a problem, based on the student's application of their knowledge and creating their own product. The key concept in the project is the author’s own innovation, own thought, own invention. Shows resourcefulness, design creativity and unique use of equipment.	Students designed their original self made model, which illustrates a science concept/fact/device The model is ¨working¨ not merely a stationary maquette. Shows resourcefulness, design creativity and unique use of equipment.	Very little creativity Quite simplified and stationary Shabby work
Doing Work	The project has the potential to be a practical solution. It is either a machine or a program that fulfils a certain task, i.e. does some practical work. OR it is a novel approach to a problem	One of the criteria on the left is missing or not completely met.	All of the criteria on the left are missing or not completely met.
Model Construction and Visual Appeal	It incorporates moveable parts that directly aid in demonstration of concept/process. Shows careful and neat construction; materials are appropriate and sturdy. Choice of materials and construction technique shows significant forethought. the logical steps are well-explained and rigorously proven to be necessary and correct. it is user-friendly and not prone to technical problems (program only).	One or two of the criteria on the left are not met.	More than two of the criteria are not met.
The written description of the model	All expected components are present and clear: background research, materials and procedure (where applicable), main results of the invention. Text is concise and free of grammar and spelling errors. References are clearly displayed in proper MLA format. If appropriate, technical drawings are included and are neatly drawn.	All expected components are present but not in sufficient detail. Text is concise but with certain grammar and spelling errors.	Some components are missing. Text is unclear or lacks good English. No references
Originality	These are additional credits awarded by the jurors on their judgement of the social impact of the work as well as the use of innovative technology or experimental approach.	-	-

AVOID USING ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN YOUR PROJECTS. DO NOT USE ANY LIVING ANIMALS - THAT INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO) INSECTS, MICE, FISH, AND AMPHIBIANS. IN PROJECTS INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS, MAKE SURE THE VOLUNTEERS WALK AWAY PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY UNHARMED.