Common Mistakes Made When Trying to Help Intel STS Entrants

1. Omitting an Institutional Review Board (IRB)

   All projects involving humans, even simple surveys and questionnaires, require an IRB.

2. Designating the teacher or adult supervisor as a member of the IRB

   Teachers and advisors who oversee a specific project must not serve on the IRB reviewing that project. If you need assistance locating members, please email sciedu@societyforscience.org. See Official Rules:
   
   “A school-level IRB must include: (1) a science teacher not involved with project(s) being reviewed, (2) a school administrator (preferably a principal or vice principal) and (3) one of the following who is knowledgeable and capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk involved in a given study: a physician, psychiatrist, physician’s assistant, registered nurse, psychologist, or licensed social worker, who is not involved in the project being reviewed.”

3. Encouraging teams to apply individually

   The Intel Science Talent Search does not accept team entries. Work conducted by a team and claimed by a member of the team is not allowed in Intel Science Talent Search and these projects will fail to qualify. Students must openly discuss this justification in the application. Please encourage team projects to compete at an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair affiliated regional science fair.