Fair Rules - HISEF

Qualifications for participating
Each school can submit the following number of projects to HISEF per division

• Elementary Division (grades 5-6): 12 projects in any category.  
• Junior Division (grades 7-8): A maximum of three projects from each category to be judged at HISEF.  
• High School Division (grades 9-12): A maximum of four projects from each category to be judged at HISEF. 

It is at the discretion of the Site Coordinator(s) to send the projects considered the best representative of the category selected.

Deadlines for Fairs and IRB Submissions
All projects requiring IRB review must be submitted by noon on Friday, January 25, 2024.  All projects must be loaded into zFairs by 4 pm on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.  

Project Requirements
HISEF follows the project requirements established by AzSEF for Elementary, Junior, and Senior Divisions.  

The Chandler Innovation Fair allows all CUSD students to engage with STEAM. Project categories include

• Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair. 
• Robotics
• Invention Convention
• Project Based Learning
• Computer Science
• Fine Arts

HISEF is the original CIF category and is a traditional science and engineering fair, allowing students to advance to AzSEF (Arizona Science and Engineering Fair) and eventually ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair). HISEF has a Senior Division for grades 9 - 12 and a Junior Division for grades 5 - 8. Student presentations include a research plan, data, and discussion on a digital slide deck that meets the requirements for participation in AzSEF.

Computer Science allows students to present a problem and program a solution. Project displays can include background information on the program's inspiration and aspirations for future use, along with a screencast of the program's execution. Projects include internet and mobile applications, multimedia presentations, animations, and workplace applications.

Invention Convention is a broad category that highlights the creative and engineering processes. Students can present their final invention, which should be physical construction. Included in the presentation will be an inspiration for the invention and expectations for future applications and improvements. The process may include blueprints, CAD work, or a sketch or technical drawing (appropriate for the grade level). A prototype, documents of the process, and work long help show iteration in the engineering process. Materials are limited only by what the student can access. 3-D printing is acceptable and encouraged when available.  

Project-Based Learning has students actively engage in solving a real-world and meaningful problem. Project topics can integrate with current course content. Having a public product is required as a culminating piece of the project. Critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication are principles of PBL. Public products explain the project to an audience beyond the classroom.  

Robotics lets students showcase their creations or compete against other students. Students create and display the functionality of their robot for the showcase division. Creating includes sourcing materials, construction, and programming the robot. Ozobots and Micro Bit projects are acceptable. Competitions may include Vex Robotics and First Lego League. Presentations for the showcase should include the robot executing its programmed task(s).

Fine Arts projects can focus on a specific skill, product, or process and should highlight the elements that connect STEM and the Arts. Students' projects can use arts to teach a skill or display a product and the process students follow.  

The projects will be submitted and displayed in zFairs. Slides that introduce the project and document the process of its creation will be helpful. 

What to Expect During the Fair

Select projects will also be displayed, and awards will be distributed at the Chandler Innovation Fair in Downtown Chandler on Saturday, February 24, 2024, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  School Coordinators and teachers will determine the projects chosen for booth display.

Judge Criteria