Division Regional

National
ROAD TO ISEF

Practical Guide
in Local
Science Fairs
Prepared by
Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Galang
Intel ISEF 2012 Finalist

Through the initiative of the Network of ISEF

Alumni Philippines (NIAP)

First Printed: June 2014

CAN BE PHOTOCOPIED or REPRINTED
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Galang graduated valedictorian from

Pigcawayan Central Elementary School at Pigcawayan, North
Cotabato. He then entered Philippine Science High School-
Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) in Davao City and
graduated in 2012 with Proficiency Awards in Research and
English Journalism. During his stay at PSHS-SMC, he was able
to conduct research such as the one entitled “Eco-fabric from
Blended Fragrant Screw Pine Leaf Fibers and Cotton” by
which he was able to develop and characterized the country’s
first tropical fabric from pandan. Through this research, he was
chosen as one of the country representatives to the 2012 Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
and competed under the Materials Science and Bioengineering Category. He also won the
First place for Physical Science- Individual Category at the 2011 National Science and
Technology Fair in Tagaytay City; presented at the 2012 PSHS System-Meralco National
Science Fair in Antipolo City; and exhibited at 2011 Regional Invention Contest and Expo
in NCCC Mall, Davao City. His research was even accepted at the 2012 AATCC
International Textile Conference and the 17th Congress of the Natural Products Society of
the Philippines. He also underwent summer training at the Philippine Textile Research
Institute in Taguig City where he conducted the experimentation for this research.

He and his research have also been featured by various magazines and sites such as Dept. of
Science and Technology’s S&T Post 2nd Quarter, Loqal.com (December, 2011), Student
Blog of the Society for Science and the Public (October 2013), ptri.dost.gov.ph (February,
2012) and together with other Intel ISEF 2012 Philippine Team members, SunStar Cebu
(May, 2012) and Yahoo.com (May, 2012).

Other than this practical guide, he had written editorials, features and other articles
published at various national publications such as at the Philippine Daily Inquirer (April
2013 & May 2014) and DocuSiyensya: The Students’ Science Digest (December, 2012).

By the time he finished writing this guide, he is still a 19-year old student of the University
of the Philippines- Los Banos in Laguna where he is taking a degree in agriculture. He also
serves as the head and editor-in-chief of the Network of ISEF Alumni Philippines (NIAP).
Through this network, he also conducts training and workshops on high school research for
students and teachers of different schools, divisions and regions.

e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

follow: twitter’s @elsongalang or facebook’s fb.com/elson.galang
 AUTHOR’S NOTE
Please READ before continuing to the next pages
Books and other written materials about high school research are currently
available and being used by students and teachers as reference to conduct or teach
research. However, many finished research are still not science fair ready and eventually
fail to qualify to the annual Regional/National Science and Technology Fairs (R/NSTF)-
removing their opportunity to represent the country at the Intel International Science and
Technology Fair (Intel ISEF). This can be attributed to the fact that these books only
provide fundamental information and basic elements in conducting high school research.
They do not, or barely, include discussions on the most important requirements being
looked upon by the judges or the Scientific Review Committee during the R/NSTF such
as the Research Plan and Intel ISEF Forms.
Further, the freely accessible International Rules for Pre-College Science Research:
Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fair focuses its discussion more on the already qualified
projects for the Intel ISEF. It presents more on the do’s and don’ts during the Intel ISEF
event itself and not on the local science fairs. One way of bridging this gap is through
research training and workshops, like the ones being conducted by our network, to
students and teachers of various schools, divisions and regions. Yet still, speakers and
funds are not all the time available and they can only be given to a limited number of
participants.
Hence, I wrote this practical guide to extend the reach of information about
preparing not just research that are finished but are also science fair ready. I wanted to
supplement these available books and provide additional discussions based on the rules,
requirements and standards of local science fairs especially that of the R/NSTF. By doing
so, I hope that more research can qualify to R/NSTF and increase their chance of being
part of the Philippine Team to Intel ISEF.
Again, this is a PRACTICAL GUIDE and not a textbook or a reference material.
I wrote all entries and discussions here based solely on my science fair experiences,
training and workshops received, and research competitions and exhibits attended. I have
also presented certain discussions from the International Rules for Pre-College Science Research:
Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fair and made them more relevant to our local science
fairs. Being a practical guide, changes on rules, requirements and standards from time to
time may not be avoided; hence, users of this guide are still encouraged to check new
memoranda from R/NSTF organizers.
I wrote this in a general perspective in which students, teachers, school
administrators and even judges for the division/regional science fairs can relate to. I have
included special items such as “Common Wrong-Doings Caught during Science Fairs”, “Friendly
Tips”, and “Case Problems”.
This practical guide is my gift to DepEd Region XI for their unrelenting support
to the activities of our network. Through the years, they have also generously provided
assistance and recognition to students and teachers who qualify to NSTF and Intel ISEF.
However, this practical guide can still be photocopied by students and teachers from
other regions It is my honor to share to those passionate for research the skills I have
gained from the beautiful opportunities kindly given to me.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Engr. Liberato Ramos (one of
Phil. Team to Intel ISEF mentors) for reviewing the content of this guide, Dr. Marilyn
Madrazo (DepEd XI Science Supervisor) for urging me to finish this guide, Ms. Sharon
Dejarme (my PSHS-SMC research adviser) for inculcating in me the passion for research,
and to my family for all the support.
- EING, Author
 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair:
What is Intel ISEF?
PRIMER Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair or Intel ISEF is the world’s
largest pre-college science competition being run
by the Society for Science and the Public, a non-
profit membership organization, and funded by
the Intel Foundation. It is held annually at pre-
selected venues in the United States of America
which include Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2015),
Phoenix, Arizona (2016) and Los Angeles,
California (2017). It is usually dubbed as the
“Olympics of High School Research”.
How big is the Intel ISEF?
Every year, more than 1500 high school
students (under individual or team research) from
over 70 countries around the globe compete in 17
categories for awards and prizes totaling to almost
$4 Million. The best research for the year will
receive the grand prize known as the Gordon
Moore Award- receiving $75 000 or more than
Php.3 Million. Other than the prizes provided by
the Intel Foundation, other companies, institutes,
agencies, and universities provide special awards
in forms of scholarships, trips and internships.

How do you become part of the Philippine Team to the Intel ISEF?
The student and the research has to win the Division Science and Technology Fair. Winners
of the division level will proceed to the Regional Science and Technology Fair (or pre-evaluated first
depending on the system of the region) . Winners of the regional level will then be submitted to the
National Scientific Review Committee, who are usually the judges during the National Science and
Technology Fair, for pre-evaluation. Those research that passed pre-evaluation will proceed and
compete to the National Science and Technology Fair. Top ten research during the national level
will undergo a month mentoring with
selected experts on the field of their
research. Deliberations of the experts
and the national scientific review
committee will then be conducted to
select the final list of the Philippine
Team members. Philippine Team will
then undergo one more set of mentoring
before they are sent to Intel ISEF (there
are cases when a member is evicted due
to late-noticed inconsistencies in the
research)
It is also to be clarified that
the National Science and Technology
Fair is currently ran under the Bureau of Secondary Education- Department of Education
and funded by Intel Philippines. It is currently the only Intel ISEF-affiliated fair in the
country and the only means to participate at such event.
My 2012 Intel ISEF Experience at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
by Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Galang

Carla and Hazel

We all woke up as early as 2:00am to
Carla and Ma’am Janet get to Ninoy Aquino International Airport
for our 6:00 am flight.

2012 Philippine Team at NAIA 1

From Manila,
we stopped-
over at Nagoya,
Japan.
 Stop-over at Detroit,
Michigan

Hazel Bryce, JP and Carla

Arrival at Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania

Mine and Ven’s Room at

the Marriott City Center

Ven at the Hotel Lounge First Dinner: Angus Burger at McDonalds!!!

We made our country poster and shot our country shout-out video for the opening program.
Inside the David L. Lawrence Convention
Center- venue of the 2012 Intel ISEF

A View Of Pittsburgh
Meeting new friends at the Pin Exchange Night

We were able to meet & listen to 8 Nobel Prize

winners during the Nobel Winners’ Panel.

Intel ISEF Party at Stage AE

Judging Day at Intel ISEF 2012

What are the privileges of being a member of the Philippine Team to Intel
ISEF?
→ travel to the United States of America for free! (including airfares from
home province to manila and vice versa, visa processing, terminal fees, etc.)
→stay for more than a week in an expensive high-end hotel for free
→ receive additional cash allowance; tour and shop at nearby stores
→ meet, party and exchange souvenir items with international friends
→ meet and talk to Nobel Prize winners
→ present research in the international arena filled with doctoral degree
holders, professional researchers and scientists, company executives, etc.
→ get a chance to win cash prizes, scholarships, trips and internships
→ (many times) receive special incentives from your Local Government Units
→ experience interviews and other media exposures both in the Philippines
and during the Intel ISEF event! Feel like a star!

A week before the Intel ISEF, Philippine Team members undergo one final training in a
venue usually located in Metro Manila. This is again an all expense-paid training (including airfares)
in which students experience mock defense with the judges from the NSTF, finalize and print their
research posters, meet previous Philippine Team members, and undergo communication training.
BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL INTEL ISEF EXPERIENCE:
The Creation of the Cotton- Pandan Fabric by Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Galang
This is how I was able to develop the research that got
me through the Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Processing of Pandan
Fibers in Pigcawayan,
North Cotabato
Retting of Pandan
Harvesting of Pandan

Fiber Evaluation
Extracting and Drying of Pandan Fibers

Pro cessing of Cotton- Pandan Fab ric at Phil. Textile Research Institute in Taguig

Blending of Cotton and Pandan Fibers Processing of Cotton-Pandan Lap

Processing of Cotton- Pandan Sliver

Spinning of Cotton-Pandan Yarn

Warping Cotton- Cotton-

Pandan Yarn Pandan Yarn
Weaving of Cotton-Pandan Fabric
 Dyed Cotton-Pandan Fabric
under Chemical Testing

Cotton-Pandan Fabric

National Science and Fiber Evaluation of Pandan Plant

Technology Fair 2011

Final Training of the Philippine

Team 2012 (1 week)

Photo by Engr. Liberato Ramos

Photo by Engr. Liberato Ramos

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Distinguishing the Roles of the Student,------------------1

Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist and
Designated Supervisor

Individual vs. Team Research------------------------------4

Choosing the Right Research Topic-------------------------7

The Research Plan-----------------------------------------10

Before the Experiment: Data Logbook-----------------------13

and Photo-documentation

The Experiment--------------------------------------------16

IMRaDC: Writing the Research Paper------------------------19

Abstract and Title----------------------------------------25

The Research Poster---------------------------------------28

The Oral Presentation and Defense-------------------------31

Plagiarism------------------------------------------------35

Intel ISEF Forms------------------------------------------36

Timetable-------------------------------------------------39

Checklist-------------------------------------------------42

About NIAP------------------------------------------------44
 Road to ISEF: Practical Guide in Local Science Fairs
Galang (2014)

Distinguishing the Roles of the Student, Adult Sponsor,

Qualified Scientist and Designated Supervisor

During oral defenses in science fairs, students are always interrogated with the following: (1)
the specific parts of the project which they themselves conducted, (2) the ones conducted by a
qualified scientist or the regulated research institution, (3) the extent of the adult sponsor’s
intervention, and (4) even the parents’ role in the duration of the project. Many times, it is through
these questions that the integrity of the student in his/her research is challenged because it is not
difficult to identify a student who is claiming something he/she did not actually perform.
And again, scientific frauds are NOT tolerated especially during the National Science and
Technology Fair.
Moreover, the Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines 2014 requires a student to have
supervisory adults which may include the adult sponsor, qualified scientist and designated
supervisor. They play great part in guiding the student in preparing the research plan up to signing
the required Intel ISEF forms. Hence, there is a need to distinguish each one’s role to avoid
confusions and “overlapping” of supposed responsibilities.

The Student ●Conceptualizes for his/her research topic

●Prepares and writes the research plan
●Seeks guidance from adult sponsor and qualified scientist
●Conducts the experiment
●Takes all necessary photo-documentation
●Writes all data obtained in the data logbook
●Conducts data analysis
●Writes the whole research paper
●Writes the abstract
●Prepares and fills-out necessary Intel ISEF Forms
●Personally presents research during science fairs
●Personally answers questions during science fairs
●Prepares research posters for display during science fairs

The Adult-Sponsor ●Is usually, especially in the Philippine context, the Coach or
the Research Adviser
●Should have a solid background in the research topic
●Evaluates risks of the project of the student
●Ensures safety and health of the student
●Reviews student’s Research Plan
●Reminds (ONLY) students of the things s/he needs to
prepare and perform
●Should always be available for student consultation
●Edits (eg. grammar and language) research paper, abstract,
and posters of the students
●Makes sure the student is emotionally and mentally ready for
oral presentation & defense

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The Qualified ●Should have a doctoral degree or master’s degree with

Scientist equivalent experience in the field of study of the student
●May still be the adult sponsor if s/he meets the above
qualifications
●Needed for research that include high risks
●May or may not come from the Regulated Research
Institution (RRI) where experimentation is to be conducted; if
not from RRI, a separate adult-supervisor from the RRI must
be present to supervise the experimentation to be conducted at
the RRI

What is the scope of RRI? -universities, government

agencies and private laboratories (not in the home, high
school or field)

The Designated ●Sees the over-all conduct of the experiment

Supervisor ●Can still be the Adult-Sponsor

Credits and Further Discussion: Roles and Responsibilities of the Student and Adults. International Rules for Pre-
College Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fair 2013 -2014.
Site:societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines

Common Wrong-Doings Caught During Science Fairs

Note: All th ese scenarios presented as examples- th eir characters, their projects and all their data - are
THEORETICAL. However, many related cases have already happened and did not result to good ending .

1. Student claims s/he performed the experiment that in fact, it was the qualified scientist
who did the experimentation. For example,
Student A presented his study on the Antifungal Property of Powdered Ananas comosus (Pineapple) Fruit
Peelings Against Bipolaris maydis. During the oral defense, he w as asked what specific part of the research he did.
He enumerated: gathering o f pineapple p eelings, pro cessing of these peelings into powder, testing its antifungal
property at the regulated research institution, analyzing the data and writing the final paper. One judge asked him
what were the standards used in the antifungal test and he proudly answered it right. Now, the other judge asked
him to demonstrate hypothetically how he did the test such as how he prepared the agar, mounted the fungi,
placed th e powder, measured the growth of inhibition, etc. Th e student was basically left sp eechless until he
broke down in tears. In the end, it was found out that he did not actually do these tests which he claimed he did.
He simply gave his pineapple powder to his qualified scientist for th e antifungal test. He only got th e results after,
analyz ed the data and wrote down the pap er.

2. Adult-sponsor gives his/her college or master’s thesis or previous research to his/her

student. For example,
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 Road to ISEF: Practical Guide in Local Science Fairs
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Judges were roaming around the exhibit area until they found this very interesting project about Shirt With No
Wash: Integrating Silver Ions to Fabrics. During the o ral presentation the next day, the judges were very excited
to hear about the project. The student delivered very w ell and everyone in the room was naturally amazed. One
judge asked him to explain the different pro cedures employed and again answered very w ell. The judge seated at
the leftmost noticed the electronmicrographs of the treated fabric without lab els and asked the student to id entify
where the silver ions are. It took a long time before the student could speak-up and “guess” where the silver ions
are. Not long after, the student fin ally admitted that he only memorized the project his research adviser gave him.

3. Student presents an invention (eg. engineering research) or computer program (eg.

computer sciences) that s/he only tested and did not actually make. For example,
Student C presented a computer program she said she developed. Sh e highlighted the efficien cy o f her program
and said that it even surpasses that of the commercial versions. She told the judges the international standards she used
in testing her program. A judge then asked her to write the first twenty lines of the codes thar she used for her program.
At that moment, she finally confessed that sh e only evaluated the p rogram and it was h er father, a computer engineer,
that develop ed the said program.

4. Adult-sponsor writes the whole research paper of the student.

Friendly Tips

Let the students do their responsibilities. If Adult--sponsors must not become “stage-
students are allowed to do all their roles in mothers” just to ensure their students
conducting research, then adult sponsors qualify for a science fair. They can guide
do not have to worry about their students and constantly remind without taking away
not able to defend their research. Even if the responsibilities from their students. But
judges ask them so many questions, they they can play great role in editing the
will still be able to answer because they have research paper and preparing their students
been conducting and knowing this research before a presentation and defense.
by heart for quite some time.

Qualified scientists must only provide

guidance and not serve as the “director” of
the experiment. Their expertise need not be
exploited but instead transferred to the Before starting the over-all
student during the process. research process, the adult-
sponsor and the student
must discuss and clarify
with each other their
respective roles and
responsibilities. By doing so,
the student will not become
dependent to the adult-
sponsor.

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Individual vs. Team Research

Advantages Individual Research Disadvantages

Only 1 student does the whole research process

● Student is more focused and encouraged to ● Financial resources are needed especially
finish his/her research because an individual on tests and laboratory works
research is an all out personal effort ● Time and effort demanding especially on
● Student can maximally learn research details conducting the experiment and writing the
and even new information during the research research paper
process because s/he has no groupmate to ● Difficulty in some cases such as conflict of
depend on schedules with the adult-sponsor or qualified
● *Student gets better opportunities for scientist, long duration of sickness, etc.
research- easier to get internships in research
institutes, presenting in symposia, etc.

*Every year, more individual projects are sent by the country to the
Intel ISEF

Individual research is not an easy task. However, once successfully finished, the prize is definitely
bigger than its price. But what does it take to be an effective individual researcher especially if aiming
for the National Science and Technology Fair or even Intel ISEF?
(1) Should have the EXCITEMENT not just to finish the research but to learn on the way
(2) Be a GOOD COMMUNICATOR because s/he is the only one who can relay his/her
ideas, problems and eventually success
(3) And because s/he is alone, s/he must be EXTREMELY HONEST because only s/he
knows what exactly happened in his/her research
(4) And again because s/he is alone, s/he must have the CONFIDENCE because s/he has
to face alone the audience, the judges and everyone else who wants to know his/her
research

Advantages Team Research Disadvantages

Maximum of 3 students for the whole research process

● Finances and research works can be divided ● There is a high chance to develop a
among the team members of the group member’s dependence with the others which
● Available team members can still work may result to “free-riding”
despite the absence of the other ● Continuous disagreements and conflicts
●Team members can contribute varied ideas within the group can delay the research
for the continuous improvement of the process
research

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On the other hand, team research is usually the solution to reduce costs and divide the research
works. However, if only one or two members of the group are the only ones working, then that will
only give problems. And what should a team member be like to have a good team aiming for the
National Science and Technology Fair or even for Intel ISEF?
(1) Be a TEAM PLAYER! Sh/e imparts ideas or suggestions and volunteer to do a task
s/he can certainly do. S/he should not blame others for any problem that may arise.
(2) Even though in a team, s/he must also think INDEPENDENTLY not only studying
the tasks and concepts s/he was assigned to but also those of the other members’. This
comes useful especially when the other member forgets or does not understand his/her
assigned task or concept.
(3) And of course, has the INITIATIVE. If there is a problem, initiate a solution.

The Team Leader

● There must be one team leader in a team
● Responsible for over-seeing the tasks and concepts assigned for each team member
● Should be able to recommend expulsion of a team member who can barely contribute time and
effort to the group
● Should be able to convene the team for research-related activities
●Report from time to time the different improvements done in the research to the adult-sponsor
● However, s/he should not play “martyr” and do all tasks for the sake of their research

Common Wrong-Doings Caught During Science Fairs

Note: All th ese scenarios presented as examples- th eir characters, their projects and all thei r data - are
THEORETICAL. However, many related cases have already happened and did not result to good ending .

1. A team research was made as an individual research. For example,

Student D and his adult-sponsor were so glad that they qualified to the National Science and
Technology Fair. He will be competing under the Individual-Physical Science- Cluster 1 category.
During his oral defense of his study about Paper from Fibers of Snake Plant, he was not able to
provide in details how the fibers from the snake plant were removed. When one of the judges asked
him to elaborate further on that part, he was not able to do so. It was then found out that it was his
suppose-to-be-other-groupmate who extracted the fibers from snake plant.

2. An individual research was made as a team research.

3. A team research was made by more than 3 students and the others were removed during
the time of the science fair.

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 Road to ISEF: Practical Guide in Local Science Fairs
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Friendly Tips

To avoid “free-riding” of one team member, the adult- Financial contribution

sponsor must create a scheme, such as peer should not be considered a
evaluations and team consultations, to make sure that significant contribution in a
everyone in the team is working. The team leader team research. Time and
must also report immediately to the adult-sponsor any effort spent to do tasks by
team member who is not helping the group. the team member should be
given importance.
Personal laptop and printer
will be a huge advantage for
an individual researcher. If
the student cannot afford, Individual research must be
the adult-sponsor can arrange encouraged and given
ways so that s/he can have positive limelight in the
access to school computer, school. It should not be
printer and facilities. perceived as a task only the
most intelligent students
can do.

It will be an additional
advantage if the team
members of a team have the
same interest.

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Choosing the Right Research Topic

What is a good research topic?

It is SMART- specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-considerate. Before finalizing the
research topic, ponder on these questions first:

Is it specific enough? Is it measurable?

The research topic “Fibers” should be Are there available tests to
expounded answering basic questions measure the effectiveness of
such as (1) fibers from what? (2) fibers coconut husks fibers as growing
as what?. This may be transformed as a medium? If yes, then what
good research topic to “Fibers from specific variables are to be
Coconut Husks as Growing Medium.” measured?

Is it realistic?
Is it attainable? Will there be experimental
Given all factors (expenses, set-ups that will yield the
personal capacity, research needed measurements?
institutes present in the area,
etc.), can the needed variables
be measured? Is it time-considerate?
Will there be enough time to
measure all these variables?

● Make sure that the research topic will not only contribute to a new knowledge but most
importantly on how it will greatly impact its beneficiaries. Always remember : a good
research is not for the library shelves but for the people that need it.

● The research topic should fit the student’s interest and not that of the adult-sponsor. For
example:
The top student in the class who is good in biology must not be forced to do a research in computer
science just because the adult-sponsor’s son is a software developer.

● Avoid repeating the same research year-after-year with the same procedures and simply
changing the independent variable. This limits innovation and becomes predictable during
science fairs. For example:
SY 2011-2012: Antibacterial Properties of Extract No.1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
SY 2012-2013: Antibacterial Properties of Extract No. 2 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
SY 2013-2014: Antibacterial Properties of Extract No. 3 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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● Avoid copying winning research from a previous science fair and simply changing the
independent variable. This becomes again uninteresting especially with many same judges
present from the previous and current science fairs. For example,
Previous science fair winner: Biodegradable plastics from Seaweeds No. 1
Research topic for the current year: Biodegradable plastics from Seaweeds No. 2

● Prepare a research topic that is flexible. It will allow some acceptable changes if the
research topic fails for some unexpected reasons. For example,
(Using the earlier example on silver ions) Student E read about a new breakthrough on ceramic wares
with silver ions which make them easier to clean. With this, he chose to try on silver ions being integrated on a
cotton fabric. He started inquiring on the things he needed but then found out that silver was still unavailable
in the nearb y shop. He ch ecked on ce again the pro cedures h e will be using and saw that the integration
pro cess is not exclusive for silver ions. Thus, he instead changed his research topic to “Fab ric with Gold
Ions” because gold was th e only one available.

● Avoid a research topic that many of its parts can only be done by a qualified scientist or
regulated research institute (RRI). Majority of the research should be done by the student.
Always remember that “analyzing data plus writing the paper is not equal to majority of the
research process”. There are many research that even RRIs allow the students to conduct
the tests with the guide of a qualified scientist or RRI’s adult-supervisor. For example,
A certain test can only be conducted by an accredited laboratory because of the high risks
involved. Hence, Team A simply provided their sample, waited for the results, compared the data
and wrote the paper.

● If really aiming for a win in a science fair, then avoid research topics that are too
“traditional” (eg. antibacterial, insecticidal). This makes the research sounds cliché and
sometimes obsolete. However, avoid also research topics that are too “ambitious”- just
remember SMART.

Conceptualizing a Research Topic

Read science journals and follow the researcher’s Recommendation. Recommendations
were made by the researcher to allow other researchers of the same interest to generate
additional data and widen the knowledge on the said research topic. It will be better if
additional variables and tests are integrated into the new research topic. For example,
Research on journal: Evaluation of Dried Banana Leaf Feed on the Growth by W eight of Chickens
Author’s recommendation: It is recommended to evaluate other parts of banan a as feed fo r chicken.
Possible Research Topic: Evaluation of Ground Banana Pseudostem Feed on the Egg -laying Capacity of
Chickens
Play with given facts. For example,
Fact: Bacteria are naturally negative.
Possible Research Topic: Find positive ions that can
bind with the negative bacteria. Once mass of
bacteria are bound together, filtration using simple
filters will be more efficient.

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Know the problems and needs of the community, province or

country. From these problems can arise different solutions which
can be potential research topics. For example,
Community Problem: In a yet unknown reason, there is an excessive algae
growth in the town’s lake.
Possible Research Topics: (1) Potential Organic Algaecides or (2) Utilization of
the Excessively Growing Algae (eg. energy, bioactive compounds)

Especially for computer science and engineering, know the current trends in the market
and global scene. Avoid research that are merely replica of commercially available items.
Instead, make the research or the new item more innovative. For example,
Commercially available: Time-based Chicken Roaster by which the user can set the time for roasting the
chicken. However, chicken meat tends to vary from different types of chicken. Thus, time for roasting will
also have to vary.
Possible Research Topic: Tendern ess-based Chicken Ro aster by which the device personally ch ecks
whether th e chicken meat is tender enough for human consumption

Observe nature in detail. It is usually from little details where great research
come from. Remember the Scientific Process- OBSERVE, hypothesize,
experiment, analyze & conclude !
Observation: The rose in the vase did not wilt after two weeks. It was observed before
that the same variety of rose in the vase can only last for a week. It was then found out that the
liquid placed in the vase was not plain water but rather, the house helper without knowing,
placed coconut water instead.
Possible Research Topic: Coconut Water in Prolonging Vase-life of Rose

Friendly Tips

Check the internet or other sources first whether a

research had already been done by others. Even with
all the innocence of not knowing a same research
existing, a research that is the exactly the same as that
of others can still be accused of plagiarism.

Even with how much time it takes, let the students

decide for their research topic.

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The Research Plan

A research plan serves as the guide and “preliminary blueprint” in the conduct of a research.
It must be reviewed properly by the adult-sponsor and (if any) the qualified scientist. Risks and
special procedures needed for the conduct of the experiment must be assessed. Thus, upon finishing
a draft of the research plan, the students must sit with the adult sponsor, the qualified scientist and
even the parents to discuss their research plan. Improvements, simplifications, and corrections can
then be made by the students upon the advice of the adults (especially in cases when adults think
that the student cannot perform certain parts or is very risky for the student’s safety). Only then
when the student and all the adults agree can the research plan be approved and the research process
proceeds.

Parts of a Research Plan

According to the Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines 2014, the general format of the
research plan is as follows:

TENTATIVE TITLE OF THE PROPOSED RESEARCH

NAME OF STUDENT/S (for team research , team leader should be identified)
PROPOSED START AND END DATE:

A. Question or Problem - this is one or two statements (interrogative OR declarative)

Being Addressed that state the problem
- to make it easier, simply transform the research topic
chosen. For example,
Research Topic: (Using the earlier example) Coconut Water in
Prolonging Vase-life of Rose
Interrogative: Can coconut water be used in prolonging vase-life of
roses?
Declarative: Coconut water potentials in prolonging vase-life of
roses should be explored and evaluated.

B. Goals/ Expected - this is one or two statements that state the final output of the research
Outcomes/ Hypothesis topic
- most of the time, hypothesis is used; however, goals and expected
outcomes are also good choices. Again, select only one. For example
(continuing the above examples),
Goal: (1) To determine the number of days in the vase and visible ch anges
in characteristics o f roses subjected to co conut water treatments and (2)
To compare these data from the co conut water treatments to those data
from plain water.
Expected Outcomes: Roses under co conut water treatments will have
longer vase-life as compared to roses with only plain water.
Hypothesis: If roses under co conut water treatments extend th e number of
days, with minimum visible ch anges in characteristics, as compared to
plain water, then co conut water is effective in prolonging the vase -life of
roses.

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C. Description in detail of methods or procedures

- these are the detailed steps to be taken in the whole research

- should be written in paragraph form and not only through
flow charts (which can also be added)
C.1 Procedures
- For the above example, the research plan should answer the
following questions:
What will be the steps involved in p reparing the co conut water treatments
(amount, con centrations per vase, etc.)? How will the roses be gathered,
prepared and placed on these treatments? How will the set-ups (co conut
water treatments with roses) be placed in the experimenting area? How
often will the set-ups be observed and record ed? What are the specific
visible characteristics that are to be observed and reco rded? How will
observation and reco rding for each specific visible characteristic b e
performed? How will the set-ups be controlled from unwanted factors
such as insects?

- this discusses the risks that may be involved in the whole

research
C. 2 Risk and Safety - should be written in paragraph form
- copies of international/local standards or procedures can be
attached
- For the above example, the research plan should answer the
following questions:
Are there risks involved in preparing the co conut water treatments, roses
and other materials needed fo r the research (eg. special chemicals,
microorganisms, etc)? If yes, what are existing rules and regulations that
control these risks? How will these risks be effectively handled during the
whole duration?

- this presents how data gathered from the whole research are
to be analyzed
- For the above example, the research plan should answer the
C. 3 Data Analysis
following questions:
What accepted standards will be used in evaluating qualitative data,
which in this case, the visible changes in characteristics of the rose?
What statistical tool will be used to analyze the data for the
differences in the vase-life of the roses? Are there international or
local standards that will be used as comparison?

-Include at least 5 major references (books, science journals

D. Bibliography
or credible internet sites)

SPECIAL CASES- identified by the Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines 2014, these
special cases need additional descriptions and information to be written in the research plan. These
are research that include (1) Human Participant Research, (2) Vertebrate Animal Research, (3)
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents and (4) Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices.
These can be read through:

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(Credits and Further Discussion): Research Plan Instructions. International Rules for Pre-College Science
Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fair 2013-2014.
Site:societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines

Friendly Tips

I M P O R T A N T!
Write the research plan BEFORE AND NOT AFTER conducting the whole research!
Many of the regional science fair winners that fail to qualify to the National Science and
Technology Fair obviously wrote their research plans after they conducted their
research. It is very easy to determine research plans that were written after than before
which are characterized by: (1) written in past tense or (2) an exact mirror of the
research paper.

It is fine to have a final research output that is slightly different from the approved
research plan because changes are unavoidable in the course of the research. These
changes should be properly identified and recorded.

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Before the Experiment: Data Logbook and Photo-documentation

Before conducting the experiment proper, students must make sure everything is ready. The
laboratory or field where it will be conducted should have been scheduled with enough
days/weeks/months to finish the experiment. Experimental set-ups that have already started for
quite some time cannot be anymore transferred to another until all important data have been
gathered. If needing one, qualified scientist must also be informed for experiments to be conducted
in regulated research institutes or experiments needing special procedures. By doing so, the qualified
scientist can reserve his/her schedule for these experimentation dates.
For tests that are to be simply requested and not personally conducted, laboratories
responsible for these tests should have been contacted ahead. Delayed time of testing (eg. extracts)
can affect test results. On the other hand, fields where certain experiments are to be conducted must
be cordoned and properly labeled (tarpaulin visible from a distance). Field experiments should be
controlled as much as possible to limit the factors that could affect the test results. Also, data
logbook and cameras for photodocumentations should be prepared.

DATA LOGBOOK
- Serves as the “official transcript” of the activities related to the
research
- Should be written in a record book and not in a springed notebook
- Entries should be written using only a non-erasable pen
- Number each page; write a straight line from top to bottom of the
page for those without entries
- Minimize erasures; erasures should be crossed-out once with a
signature affixed
- It is advisable that entries are to be written daily. For days with no
research-related activity, “none” can be written
- Staple research-related documents that were acquired during the day
- Entries can be paragraphs or bullets of narrations of the activities,
tables and figures for data, etc.; make sure they are readable; and
quantitative data must have units
- The following is a suggested format for a data logbook entry:

DATE and TIME:

LOCATION: (laboratory, fields, libraries, research institutes, etc. + complete address)

A. Research-related Activity Conducted for the Day

- include all details (eg. team discussions, meeting with the adult-sponsor/ qualified scientist,
review of related literatures in library, visiting the regulated research institute, preparing the
set-ups, observing and recording of experimental set-ups, etc)

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B. Data/ Information Gathered

- include all key details (eg. all raw data observed and recorded)
- attach related documents acquired (eg. copy of the procedures for a standard test provided
by the research related institute, copy of related literatures acquired from the library)

SIGNATURE OF ADULT-SPONSOR
If applicable, SIGNATURE OF PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE (eg. qualified scientist,
librarian, director of the RRI, statistician)

PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION

- Serves as the “ultimate evidence” of research-related activities

- Pictures should be taken in ALL research-related activities; the more
pictures, the better
- Save UNEDITED pictures in folders by date; prepare a back-up copy
online
- It is also advisable to prepare CD containing selected pictures (usually
the best ones) for each research-related activity. It must be labeled
with the research title and name of students. This CD will come handy
during science fairs when judges ask for photo-documentations.

Common Wrong-Doings Caught During Science Fairs

Note: All th ese scenarios presented as examples- th eir characters, their projects and all their data - are
THEORETICAL. However, many related cases have already happened and did not result to good ending .

1. Data Logbook was written after all of the research was finished. For example,
Team B submitted their data logbook to the judges in one of the Regional Scien ce and Technology Fairs. The
judges were amazed that the entries were all neatly written. However, they noticed that the data were dated earlier
than the experimentation pro cess. (How can data b e gath ered first than its actual experimentation?)

2. Data Logbook is a collection of scratch papers. For example,

Before Student F started his oral defense at the Regional Scien ce and Technology Fair, the chairman of the
judges in his category asked him to submit his data logbook. He got his bag and pulled out a stapled set of papers
which he claimed were his notes from the research-related activities he had. The judge returned this set of papers
and did not even look at it. (Scratch papers can be from an ything- school notes to class reports!)

3. Photos were taken after all of the research was finished. For example,
During Team C’s p resentation, the judges asked them how long they condu cted their research. The team leader
replied that it was condu cted fo r 3 months. However, the judges pointed at the photo s they included in their
research poster and asked them why they are wearing the same clothes. (Is it not too much coin ciden ce to have
the same clothing for 3 months or research-related activities weeks apart?)

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Friendly Tips

Because of its importance, it is suggested

Judges during science fairs would
that each page of the data logbook is
usually ask for the data logbook first.
scanned. These soft copies can then be
Hence, presenting a well-written and
uploaded online to serve as back-up in
complete data logbook will be an
cases like it is lost, spilled with liquid, or
advantage.
even burnt.

Keep all research-related items-

including the small ones such as
receipts of purchases, request orders
in laboratories and bus tickets from
hometown to the regulated research
institution. Attach this to the page
with corresponding date in the data
logbook. This may just come useful.

Do not put filter effects (eg. sepia,

black and white) when taking
photos. Keep the photos as natural Photos do not need to be
as possible. Take as many ACTION at very high resolutions.
PHOTOS as possible. The photo Mobilephones and tablet
should tell a thousand words and cameras can be used. Just
not just a hundred. Hence, selfies make sure that photos are
should be avoided. clear.

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The Experiment

It is difficult to discuss in-depth the experiments for research. Each research topic employs
its appropriate or even special experiments. Availability of materials, facilities and resources in the
area should be considered as major factors in designing the experiment. Modifications and
alternatives can be used if many of these are not obtainable. Thus, it is for the students to prepare,
through their research plan, on how these experiments are to be conducted. The adult-sponsor and
(if any) qualified scientist must evaluate rigidly the experimental design in the research plan to ensure
its safety and acceptability. However, there are important general points that must be remembered in
conducting experiments.

● Know the type of research being conducted. By doing so, students can strictly follow and
observe RESEARCH ETHICS for such type of research. Various laws, regulations and
standards have been set to guide the conduct for certain types of research. The Intel ISEF
International Rules and Guidelines 2014 set research ethics for the following types of research:

Human Participant These are research in which the students get data by
Research interacting with fellow humans.

Vertebrate Animal These are research in which the students need to use (1)
Research living, non-human vertebrates, mammalian embryos or
fetuses, (2) tadpoles, bird and reptile eggs 72-hour old after
hatching, and (3) all other non-human vertebrates at
hatching/birth.

Potentially Hazardous These are research in which students need to use (1)
Biological Agents microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia,
fungi and parasites), (2) recombinant DNA technologies, and
(3) human/animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood or body fluid.

Hazardous Chemicals, These are research in which students need to use (1)
Activities and Devices government-regulated substances such as prescription drugs,
alcohols and tobaccos, (2) firearms and explosives and (3) any
material that posesses a risk beyond the daily encounter of
the student/s.

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Friendly Tips

I M P O R T A N T!
If the students are working on any of these types of research, they have to make sure
they have read by heart the Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines. These types
of research also compel students additional requirements such as risk assessment forms
and consents. These can be read and downloaded from:

(Credits and Further Discussion): Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, Potentially

Hazardous Biological Agents. Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices.
International Rules for Pre-College Science Research: Guidelines for Science and
Engineering Fair 2013-2014. Site:societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines

Many of the regional science fair winners that fail to qualify to the National Science and
Technology Fair did not observe these research ethics and failed to attach the necessary
requirements.

● Make sure to have consistency on the independent and dependent

variables especially if making comparisons.

● If comparing with commercial products, make sure that the use of

these commercial products as basis has its reason (eg. it is the most
widely used, cheapest yet effective in the current market)

● Do not rush the conduct of the experiment just to meet the

deadlines for science fairs. An experiment is not an overnight activity.
Some research sent by the country to the Intel ISEF spent months for
experimentation. However, time should also not be used as an excuse
for a poorly executed experiment. It is a matter of time management.

● For experiments to be conducted in a laboratory or a regulated research institute, students should

be well prepared. Adult-sponsor or qualified scientist must see to it that the students know
excellently the laboratory techniques and procedures that will be performed. The y can do
demonstrations for the students to observe. Practice trials can also be done before performing the
actual experiment. This will reduce, if not prevent, the chances of unwanted factors (eg.
contaminations) in the set-ups.

● For experiments to be conducted in the fields, students must have secured the area before
starting. During the experimentation period, set-ups should be checked from time to time and not

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only during observation and recording. It will be a total disaster if unwanted factors (eg. insects)
were noticed a little late and have already significantly affected the set-ups.

● For new products and inventions, it is suggested to evaluate as many properties and features of
the product/invention. For comparisons, same evaluation procedures must be applied to both the
new and commercially available products.

● Do NOT ever manipulate the set-ups if initial results of the experiments are not in accordance
with the expected initial results. Evaluate again the set-ups. Look carefully at the possible unwanted
factors that could have been significantly affecting the set-ups. If identified and there is still available
time, repeat the experiment and adjust to reduce effects of these unwanted factors. If there is no
more time, then stick to the available results and list down these unwanted factors and discuss them
in the paper.

DATA ANALYSIS
Use only the appropriate method of analyzing the data gathered. There are now available
computer programs in which the students can easily input their data and the program will
show the analysis. This reduces the cost as compared to students hiring the professional work
of a statistician. It will also be useful to consult basic statistics books on the statistical tools
which are applicable. International and local standards can also be used as comparisons
especially for new inventions and products.

It is easy to identify research that manipulated

experimental results.

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IMRaDC: Writing the Research Paper

Science fair is not a competition for the thickest research papers. Research papers,
especially if aiming for the National Science and Technology Fair, are advised to be written in an
IMRaDC format that is: (1) journal-ready and (2) concise or includes only the important details.

INTR ODUCT ION

MATER I ALS AN D METH OD S
RESULTS
DIS CUS SION
CONCL USION

- Many of the projects sent by the country to the Intel ISEF

INTRODUCTION have written this part in two to four short paragraphs with
no subsections
- -It must present the (1) background of the study, (2)
hypothesis and statement of the problem, (3) objectives, (4)
significance and (5) limitations of the study

Study: Eco-fabric from Blended Fragrant Screw Pine ( Pandanus amaryllifolius)

Leaf Fibers and Cotton
Name of Student: Galang, Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo
Background of
(Full Introduction)
the Study
Today, natural cotton is blended with synthetic polyester to mitigate the high cost
of cotton. However, polyester manufacturing entails intensive energy and produces
excessive CO2 and NO emissions (Polyester Production, Pollution, 2012). Statement of
In the Philippines, the thrust is developing Philippine Tropical Fabrics
the Problem
(PTFs) from an all-natural blend of cotton and various fibers from plants like
abaca, pineapple, banana, jute and water hyacinth (PNS/PTRI, 2005). However,
supplies and fiber yields of these plants are limited and other supply of fibers must
be explored.
Pandanus amaryllifolius, known as Fragrant screw pine (English) or
Pandan (Local), is a fibrous tropical fiber plant that is found abundant in the Objectives
country. This study assesses the leaf fibers from fragrant screw pine as
potential stand alone fiber for fabric production or as blend with cotton for
the production of a new PTF. Limitations
Specifically, this study evaluates fiber yield of the plant and the fiber
properties- breaking strength, cohesion, fineness, and mean length- of its leaf
fibers. An 80/20 cotton-fragrant screw pine PTF was also produced and
characterized in terms of fabric weight, breaking strength, dimensional change, Significance
pilling resistance, colorfastness and staining grade. This study boosts
production of environment-friendly fabrics or eco-fabrics like PTFs by
providing additional fiber supplies, and eventually making these fabrics more
affordable in the market.
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- - Subsections can be used (usually 1 short paragraph per

MATERIALS AND
subsection)
METHODS - - It should provide enough details so that others can repeat
the experiments following the methods written in the
research paper; however, conciseness should be maintained
- - It should include the significant steps such as gathering of
materials, preparing of set-ups, tests and experimentations,
data analysis , etc.; the materials used for each step must
also be included
- - Official title of international/established procedures or
tests used in the experiments can be written instead of
describing its detailed steps (eg. Retting Process, Resazzurin
Test, ASTM #); however, modifications for these
international/established procedures or tests must be
indicated
- - Tests and procedures conducted by a regulated research
institution do not need to be described in detail; however,
details should be elaborated in tests and procedures
personally designed and performed by the students
- - Include photographs, lay-outs, schematic diagrams or
drawings especially for inventions and new products

Study: Eco-fabric from Blended Fragrant Screw Pine (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Leaf
Fibers and Cotton
Name of Student: Galang, Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo
(Excerpt from Materials and Methodology)
Fabric Characterization
The fabric produced was then tested using the Philippine National Standards for PTFs (PNS-
PTF). Breaking strength, dimensional change and pilling resistance tests were conducted at
DOST-PTRI’s Physical Laboratory. While, colorfastness and staining grades for laundering,
perspiration and rubbing were tested at DOST-PTRI’s Chemical Laboratory. Three carefully
rectangular-cut fabric pieces were then obtained and each one’s fabric weight was calculated
using the formula:
W= M / (LxW)
Where,
W= fabric weight, M= mass of cut fabric in grams, L= length in meters, W= weight in meters.
The average of the 3 calculated single fabric weights was calculated to determine the
mean fabric weight. All values of the various properties were then compared to the set standards
of the PNS-PTF

Fiber Yield Test

One hundred grams of Fragrant screw pine leaves were each placed in three containers filled with
3 gallons of ground water. After two weeks of retting, fibers for each container were harvested,
processed and weighed. The average of the three was then calculated to determine the fiber yield.
The value was then compared with yields of other fiber plants.

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- It includes all data gathered from the experiments which can be

RESULTS presented through tables, graphs, figures, etc.
- Appropriate data presentation must be observed. (eg. table vs.
graph, bar graph vs. line graph)
- Tables, graphs, figures, etc. should EACH have their respective
captions. A good caption must have a Table/Graph/Figure
Number and a short description.
- Captions for tables must be placed on top of the table. While
those for figures, graphs, diagrams, etc should be placed under
them.
- Each table, graph, figure, etc may be accompanied with short
descriptions on the trends derived from data analysis conducted
- Subsections may be used especially if multiple distinct tests
were conducted (eg. Results from Test No. 1, Results from Test
No.2)
- This part of the research paper may begin with: This study
determined the ____________ as presented with the
following tables, graphs and figures.
- No discussions should be presented in this part of the research
paper; more than 90% of this part shows only tables, graphs,
figures, etc.

- This part of the research paper should be treated as the “soul”

DISCUSSION of the research paper and not just as an accessory part
- Most of the related literatures are integrated in this part and not
in the Introduction
- Subsections can also be used especially if multiple distinct tests
were conducted (eg. discussion for results in Test No.1,
discussion for results in Test No. 2)
- This part of the research paper usually answers the following
questions:
»What are the implications of the results and trends derived
from data analysis conducted?
»What are and how did these factors cause such results and
trends?
»What are the other related research that agree with such
results and trends? (If any, indicate how these research varied
from the research conducted especially in terms of materials and
methods used)
»What are established scientific knowledge (eg. science laws,
basic facts) that can explain or justify such results and trends?
»What are other related research and/or scientific knowledge
that contradict such results and trends? And what are the
possible causes of these contradictions?
»What are and how did these possible errors (eg. unwanted
factors) affect such results and trends?

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- - It summarizes the results of the research

CONCLUSION - - Usually two to three sentences with no subsections
- - It should not generalize and should present only
conclusion based on the results and trends discussed.
Eventually, it should answer the objectives presented in the
introduction.
- - It should mention a practical application.

Study: Eco -fabric from Blended Fragrant Screw Pine ( Pandanus amaryllifolius) Leaf Fibers and Cotton
Name of Student: Galang, Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo

(Full Conclusion)

Fragrant screw pine leaf fibers cannot be used as stand-alone fibers for fabric production. However, an
80/20 cotton-fragrant screw pine yarn and fabric was successfully produced and characterized to have
relatively good properties such as enough fabric weight and breaking strength, good colorfastness and
non-staining. With its 7.1% fiber yield, it is also an economically sound fiber.

- It presents what else can be done to improve the research,

RECOMMENDATIONS
to widen the knowledge about this research topic, and other
variables that can be tested in relation to the research (other
researchers of the same interest will usually read this part to
conceptualize their own research topic)
- Usually a short paragraph with no subsections

- It includes a FORMAL AND DIRECT message of

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
thanks to the people who contributed SIGNIFICANTLY
to the research.
- It usually includes the names of the adult-sponsor,
qualified scientist, regulated research institute, and
sponsors if there are any.
- Do not dare to include any flowery words and
unnecessary names.
- Usually a short paragraph with no subsections

- It includes all books, journals, credible websites and all

REFERENCES/ other resources that were used as reference
BIBLIOGRAPHY - Citation style must be consistent; usual citation formats
include APA Style, MLA Style, Chicago Manual of Style

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A D D I TI O N A L R E S E A R C H P AP E R P A R T S

1) TITLE
- It is not placed on a separate page and should be placed on top of the first page
2) NAME/S OF STUDENT/S
- It is placed directly under the title
- Name/s of students are arranged in alphabetical order by surnames
- Names are written in one line separated by commas
3) NAME/S OF SCHOOL
- Full name of school, with address, is placed under the names
4) ABSTRACT
- It is placed under the name of school with two lines (above and below)
5) KEYWORDS
- It is placed directly below abstract
- Usually 3 to 4 words that describes the research
6) APPENDICES
-Attached documents (eg. codes for computer programs)
7) PAGE NUMBERS
- Page numbers are suggested to be placed at the center of each page
- Make sure that the font style and size of the page numbers are the same as that of
the body

Some Formatting Tips for journal-ready IMRaDC:

Margin: 1 inch to all sides
Main Headings: Capitalized, Bold
Subheadings (for subsections): Regular Capitalization, Bold
Font Style: Times New Roman
Font Size: 12
Columns: 2 (except for graphs, figures, and tables which usually require bigger space)

Sample first page format

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RESEARCH PAPER PARTS AND FORMATS VARY DEPENDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF

THE SCHOOL/SCIENCE FAIR. This one is suggested if aiming for the
National Science and Technology Fair

Friendly Tips

Write the research paper as understandable and

as concise as possible. The journal-ready
IMRaDC format was encouraged at the
National Science and Technology Fair to
simplify writing of research papers. It aims to
break the tradition that a “good research
deserves a thick research paper”. It is usually
from this belief that many students tend to copy
paste, or commit plagiarism, from sources just to
add pages in their research paper.

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Abstract and Title

Given many research submitted to a science fair, judges moderately read the full research
paper. However, they extensively read the abstract. If they understood and liked the abstract, then it
is of great chance that they will also like the research , know more about it and read the research
paper. On the other hand, titles keep the interest and first impression of the audience. If they liked
and understood the title, then the more they will be interested to know better the research and listen
to the presentation.

ABSTRACT
- Maximum of 250 words

- Should be written AFTER the whole research paper was written but
NOT BEFORE the deadline of submission for the research paper
- Must include (1) short background of the study, (2) objectives of the
study, (3) materials and methods, (4) results, (5) conclusion and
significance.
- DO NOT INCLUDE (1) acknowledgments and (2) details of the
procedures conducted by the adult-sponsor, qualified scientist or
adult-supervisor at RRI (give highlights to those conducted by the
students)

Study: Eco-fabric from Blended Fragrant Screw Pine ( Pandanus

amaryllifolius) Leaf Fibers and Cotton
Name of Student: Galang, Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Background
of the Study
(Full Abstract)
Cotton-polyester fabric is manufactured to alleviate increase in cotton
prices. However, polyester production faces issues such as denaturalization of Objectives
materials, energy usage, and increase in carbon footprints. The purpose of the
study was to find indigenous fibers which can become a new standalone
fiber for fabric production or as blend with cotton to produce a new all natural
fabric. Ultimate leaf fibers from the tropical fibrous plant Pandanus
amaryllifolius (Pandan, belonging to screw pine genus) were extracted through
retting and the basic properties of the fiber were assessed, revealing the Materials
following: low breaking strength, good cohesion, good fineness and a staple and Methods
length of 13.11 inches. Economic value was also determined by calculating its
fiber yield, which was found to be 7.1%, the highest among the current
commercially used fibers. An 80/20 Cotton-Pandan Philippine Tropical Fabric
(PTF) was produced at the country’s textile research institute and assessed on
weight, breaking strength, pilling resistance and dimensional change, and
color fastness to rubbing, perspiration and laundering. Results of each analysis Results
were compared with the Philippine National Standard for PTFs. The newly
produced fabric of Cotton-Pandan fabric showed the following properties: fabric
weight ideal for blouses and pants, good breaking strength, exhibits shrinkage,
has low pilling resistance, good colorfastness and non-staining ability. The Conclusion
results proved that the ultimate fiber from Pandanus amaryllifolius cannot be a and
standalone fiber for fabric production but it is a good and economically sound
Significance
blend to cotton for the production of a new PTF.

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TITLES
- Science fair is not a competition of who has the longest, most
jargonized, ear-banging, eye- blinding title. Instead of sounding
smart, those kinds of title may just annoy or irritate audience.
- Titles should be written simply but at the same time catchy and
interesting
- Title, just by a reading or two, must already give ideas to the audience
what the research is all about

The following are some of the titles of the research that were sent to the Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair:

Ven Gabriel Galang Tan, Marinduque

National High School, MIMAROPA
2012 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Just by reading the title, it gives the idea that

the research may be about some herbal plants that has the properties to somehow absorb copper.

Julian Paolo Biyo, Paul Caesar Flores,

Hazel Ann Hernandez, Philippine Science
High School- Western Visayas Campus,
Western Visayas
2012 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Just by reading the title, it gives the idea that the
research may be about corals growing in bamboos.
Judel Jay Tabsing, Panabo National High
School, Southern Mindanao
2013 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Phoenix, Arizona

Just by reading the title, it gives the idea that the research may be about a fungicide on this pathogen
of banana.
Bryce Abraham Anos, Lanz Gabriel Jabla,
Carla Beatriz Lazara, Philippine Science
High School- Southern Mindanao Campus,
Southern Mindanao
2012 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
Pittsburgh,
Just by reading the title, it gives the idea that the research may Pennsylvania
be about some active compounds that
can be found from an ink of a certain marine animal.

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Friendly Tips

Stop the tradition of “Title to Do not copy and paste the different parts of the
Impress”. It should be replaced research paper to make the abstract. Abstract is
with “Title to Express”. not a patchwork of these parts of the research
paper but an overview of the research itself.

Do not settle on one draft of the

abstract. Keep rewriting until it
feels more than ready for
submission.

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The Research Poster

CONTENT OF A RESEARCH POSTER/DISPLAY

TITLE BOARD

Paste
ABSTRACT here

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

SIGNIFICANCE

METHODOLOGY

RESULTS AND
DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION

RECOMMENDA
TION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

--RESEARCH POSTER FORMATS AND SIZES VARY DEPENDING ON THE REQUIREMENTS

OF THE SCHOOL/SCIENCE FAIR. READ MEMORANDUM FIRST --
---This one is used by the Philippine representatives to Intel ISEF
and participants to the National Science and Technology Fair ---

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- Title Board should be clear and readable from a distance

- Abstract in the research paper should exactly be the same as that in the research poster
- Background of the study and significance must be short and direct
- Methodology must be PICTORIAL
- Results and discussion must include graphs, figures, tables etc. with accompanying
corresponding discussions
- Conclusion should answer the objectives; if there are 2 objectives, there must be 2
conclusions; objectives and conclusions are usually presented in bullets (ONLY
applicable in the research poster and NOT in the research paper)
- Recommendation is also suggested to be in bullet form
- Bibliography should include only the references used in the research poster and not of
the research paper; be consistent with citation styles
- Include Photo Credits at the bottom of the poster. The following can be prominently
written if ALL the photographs in the research poster was taken by the student/s: “All
photos were taken by the researcher.”

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER IN RESEARCH POSTERS

1) DO NOT copy and paste the whole research paper to the research poster. Select only those
needed by the research poster (eg. background of the study, objectives and significance only of the
Introduction part). If the selected part is still lengthy for the research poster, rewrite such part to
include only the most important points. The research poster must not be filled with texts. It must
also not become an enlarged version of the research paper.
2) For methodology, select only the major procedures conducted in the research. Photos of minor
procedures may be collaged for each major part. For example,
Preparation of Treatments instead of Chopping of Samples Boiling of Samples  Mixing of Samples with
HCl

3) Include only Photo Credits. No acknowledgment must be included in the research poster.
4) Do not use cursive fonts. Texts of the bodies should be readable at least 2 feet away. Headings
and all figures (eg. graphs, photos) should be readable at least 3 feet away. Italization of all scientific
names should be observed. Do not use all caps for the scientific name.
5) Use dark colored text over a lighter background. At the same time, do not use hot -colored
backgrounds (eg. bright yellow, neon, etc). Do not use unnecessary graphics and designs. Design
accents (eg. background illustrations, corner designs, borders) must be related to the research.

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DISPLAYS IN THE BOOTH DURING A SCIENCE FAIR
Other than the research poster, many students include additional items in their booth such
as the new product/invention for engineering research and computer with installed new program for
computer science research. This is useful especially when the judges want to see how the new
product looks like, how the invention works, or how the new computer program can be operated.
Displays are not yet strict during local science fairs like the National Science and Technology
Fair. However, RESEARCH ETHICS described earlier (See “The Experiment” portion) must be
followed. Students may again refer to the display standards set by the Intel ISEF International Rules and
Guidelines 2014. Even though it was written for Intel ISEF finalists, it will help students in local
science fairs avoid violating these research ethics.
During the Intel ISEF, the following are not allowed to be displayed:
- Living organisms including plants
- Body parts and fluids of samples
- Preserved samples
- Human or animal food
- Plant materials that are still not processed
- Water, chemicals, hazardous substances and devices
- Dry ice
- Sharp, glassy or flammable items
- Batteries with open-top cells
- Awards, medals, business cards, logos, endorsements and acknowledgements
- Photographs of samples being processed (eg. dissection)

Friendly Tips

Science fair is also not a competition of who has the most

beautiful research poster. THERE IS NO AWARD FOR
ONE. Thus, do not spend too much time and money in
preparing the poster. A person of any age, educational and
cultural background or gender must be able to appreciate
and understand the research. However, not all the time the
student/s are there to explain the research. Hence, the
research poster must be kept simple and should speak
directly what it wants to relay to the world. Upon reading
the research poster, around 80% of the research must
already be understood.

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The Oral Presentation and Defense

In a science fair, the oral presentation and defense with the judges is the students’ “last
chance” to (1) share what their research is all about, (2) clarify and answer queries, (3) persuade the
judges why their research deserves the top prize, and (4) convince them that their research can
change the world. Despite of the fact that the oral presentation and defense only last for minutes, it
should be taken as crucial as the months spent for experimentation. However, if the students
truthfully and honestly did all the research processes from conceptualizing the research topic to
writing the paper, then those minutes will seem to be more like seconds.
An oral presentation is when the students present their research in front of the audience
such as the judges. They are given a certain time to present all the important and main information
of the research. On the other hand, the oral defense is solely dedicated to the questioning of the
audience and usually consumes more time than the oral presentation.

A GOOD ORAL PRESENTATION IN A SCIENCE FAIR

- It should provide the general overview of the research

- During the science fair judging, the presentation must highlight CONCISE AND
DIRECT answers to the following questions:

STUDY: Eco-fabric from Blended Fragrant Screw Pine

a. What is the problem (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Leaf Fibers and Cotton
that the research wants “There is currently a trend of mixing cotton with polyester to redu ce
to solve? the costs of cotton fabrics. However, produ ction of polyester is not
eco-friendly. Thus, there is a need to boost production of natural fibers
which can serve also as blend with cotton fo r eco-fabrics.”

“Pandan is a fibrous plant found abundantly in the country. Hen ce, I

b. What are the wanted to test the potentials of the fibers as a stand-alone fiber for
objectives the research? fabric p roduction or as blend with cotton. I also wanted to characterize
the fabric from blended pandan and cotton, and evaluate the fiber yield
of the plant.”

“I first evaluated the strength, cohesion, fineness, and average length of the
c. What were the Pandan fiber. It showed that the fibers are weak to become a stand -alone
methods used to fiber. However, I found out that the fibers are fine, staple in length and
achieve these with good cohesion which make them suitable as blend with cotton.
After my fiber evaluation, I blended an 80,20 ratio of cotton and pandan
objectives? fibers to produce a yarn. I then wove the yarn to produce the fabric which
was then finished through bleaching, softening and pressing. The finished
fabric was then sent to the Physical laboratory of the Philippine Textile
Research Institute to undergo characterization using the Philippine
National Standards for Philippine Tropical Fabrics. On the other hand, I
determined the average fabric weight using weight over length times width
equation.
I dyed a portion of this fabric using pigments from coconut and sent this
fabric to the Chemical laboratory of PTRI to determine its colorfastness
and staining properties.
Finally, I determined the fiber yield of the Pandan plant using controlled
retting set-ups.

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“The cotton, pandan fabric was characterized to have a good

What were the general breaking strength, a fabric weight that can be used for category
results of the methods 2 materials such as blouses, low pilling resistance, high
and tests conducted? shrinkage, good colorfastness and non-staining properties. The
fiber yield of Pandan was determined to be at 7.1%- highest in
the currently used fiber blends”

e. What is the general

“Pandan fibers may not be used as a stand-alone fiber but they
conclusion? Provide show great potentials as blend with cotton. This knowledge on
one STRIKING Pandan fibers illuminates further the bright future of eco-fabrics
statement to serve as for the benefit of our aching Mother Earth.”
the final “punch”.

- It should highlight the parts that the students personally performed. Parts conducted by
adult-sponsor, (if any) qualified scientists and adult-supervisor at RRI must be clarified but do
not need elaboration.
- For teams, parts performed by each member should be distinguished.
- Individual researchers must observe the use of “I”
- Important elements to be observed during the oral presentation include: (1) well-moderated
voice, (2) effective gestures and eye contact, (3) clarity in diction, and (4) “show” of guts.
- During the Intel ISEF and National Science and Technology Fair, students do not use
PowerPoint presentations. Hence, “persuasive powers” of the voice, the eye, the face and the
hands will be very crucial.

Poster Other Forms of Oral Shortened

Presentation Presentation Presentation

A poster presentation is just like the oral A complete oral presentation is an energy-
presentation with the research poster serving demanding activity. In science fairs, there are
as the main visual material. This is the one many other types of audience other than the
used during the Intel ISEF. For the National judges such as visitors, fellow science fair
Science and Technology Fair, it is usually participants, and many other interested
conducted a day before the main oral individual. Therefore, the students must be
presentation. Make sure to use the poster and ready to have shortened presentations to
not just have it as a background! (eg. point at make it less stressful for their part and more
the figures if discussing the results, point at understandable for the general audience. The
the photos if discussing the methods) audience will just follow-up some questions if
they are interested to know more about the
research. The following is a shortened presentation of
the complete oral presentation earlier made as an
example:
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“My research is about developing and characterizing a fabric from blended cotton and pandan fibers. I
did fiber evaluation, blending, spinning, weaving, finishing, and dyeing before I was able to successfully
produce the fabric. It was then tested at the Philippine Textile Research Institute and was found out to
have good a good breaking strength, a fabric weight that can be used as for materials such as blouses,
low pilling resistance, high shrinkage, good colorfastness and non-staining properties. I also determined
the fiber yield of Pandan which was at 7.1%- highest in the currently used fiber blends”

--TIME FOR ORAL PRESENTATION VARIES DEPENDING ON THE TIME ALLOTMENT BY THE SCIENCE FAIR
ORGANIZER. FOR PRACTICE PURPOSES, IT IS SUGGESTED TO STICK TO 5 - 7 MINUTES COMPLETE ORAL
PRESENTATION --

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER IN ORAL DEFENSE

1) It is true that the judges will not take it easy on the students, especially during the
National Science and Technology Fair, because they are not just choosing winners but
possible representatives of the Philippines to the Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair. They will be asking hard questions to test how much the students know
about their research. Some of the usual opening questions, before the more technical
ones regarding the research topic itself, being asked by the judges during a science fair
include:
How did you conceptualize this research? What was the inspiration behind?
How did you choose your adult-sponsor? How were you able to get connected with your
qualified scientist/ regulated research institute?
What were the specific parts of the research process, especially in the experimentation,
that you extensively did? What were the assistance or services that your adult-
sponsor/qualified scientist/ regulated research institute gave you? In a one hundred percent
research process, how many percent do you think you did personally?
Why is there a need to do further research in the research topic you have chosen? How
different is your research from the previous research already conducted in such topic?

2) Make sure to answer directly and concisely. Do not present unnecessary arguments.
Remember: “THIS IS NOT A DEBATE WITH THE JUDGES”. However, a backing
“compensatory” statement can be used for negative answers. Just be honest all the time.
For example,
Question: Given all the necessary costly procedures that were employed to make your
new product, do you think its economical?
Not-so-good Answer. Of course it is. The product has very good properties that
surpass that of the commercially available ones. The results also show that the product has
additional properties that these commercial ones do not have! (REMEMBER: The question
is about the costly procedures needed to produce the product and not about the product
itself.)
(Possible) Proper Answer: For this time, it’s a no especially given all these costs for
production. However, the product is very promising and further studies can eventually
discover better and cheaper ways to produce it.  Backing Statement

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3) The judges, especially during the National Science and Technology Fair, will try to
determine if whether the project is befitting for the Intel ISEF or in short, if it can
actually sound international. A tip here is to find angles of the research which can be
applied not only to the locality it was made for but to other places as well. For example,
Question: How will this research of yours about the behaviors of Philippine Tarsiers in
Bohol be applied in the global scale?
(Possible) Proper Answer: This research will support and widen the conservation
efforts being done by local and international organizations to save endangered species such
as the Tarsiers by understanding better their behaviors. In fact, our findings can pave way to
future research such as tarsier behaviors as pollution bio-indicators like that of artificial
lights pollution.

4) Again, answer questions as honestly as possible. Judges will ask almost any question
including those that are not directly related with the research. If you really do not have
any idea about the answer, then tell the judges that you do not have any idea. However, if
you do not know the exact answer but have an idea, then share this idea to the judges.
For example,
Question: You conducted a Methylene Blue Reduction Test to evaluate the milk you
processed using the portable milk sterilizer you just created. Can you explain why methylene
blue ink is used for such test?
(Possible) Proper Answer: I am not fully familiar with the microbiological concepts
behind this test. But from what I read, methylene blue is being used up by microorganisms
because of the anaerobic set-up of the test.

Common Wrong-Doings Caught During Science Fairs

Note: All th ese scenarios presented as examples- th eir characters, their projects and all their data - are
THEORETICAL. However, many related cases have already happened and did not result to good ending .

1. Simply reading the abstract for the oral presentation.

2. Memorizing a script.
Prepare an outline instead which can be the guide for a smooth flowing presentation. Scripts are not
needed especially if you know the research by heart. Memorizing a script may just result to mental blocks
especially if lost in the middle of presentation.

3. Not accommodating non-judges. (That visitor could be a Company CEO ready to

partner with you or a university president ready to offer to you a full scholarship!)

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Plagiarism

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE

DO NOT COPY AND PASTE

Learn to
paraphrase,
précis-write,
and summarize

Research papers with copy-pasted

sentences, paragraphs, figures, etc.
can be determined easily.

CITE REFERENCES
Use Citation Formats like APA, MLA and
Chicago Style

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR PLAGIARIZED

RESEARCH IN A SCIENCE FAIR.

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Intel ISEF Forms

Intel ISEF forms are very critical especially to the Philippine representatives to the annual
Intel ISEF. Thus, judges or the Scientific Review Committee during the National Science and
Technology Fair will be looking for research that have completely and correctly filled out Intel ISEF
forms. It is therefore encouraged that as early as the division science fair, these Intel ISEF forms are
already attached and scrutinized.
These forms can be downloaded from: societyforscience.org/isef/forms

NEEDED FOR ALL RESEARCH:

A. The following should be prepared and filled out BEFORE THE START of the experimentation.

1. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (Research Adviser/ Coach)

Signatory: Adult Sponsor (Research Adviser/ Coach)

2. Student Checklist 1-A with attached Research Plan (as discussed earlier)
Signatory: None

3. Approval Form
Signatory: Student
Parent of Student
School Scientific Review Committee Head
If qualified to the National Science and Technology Fair, the regional Scientific Review
Committee Head (usually the chairman of the regional level judges) will sign
If qualified to the Intel ISEF, the national Scientific Review Committee Head (usually the
chairman of the national level judges) will sign

4. Qualified Scientist Form (if there was a qualified scientist involved)

To be completed by the qualified scientist
Signatory: Qualified Scientist

B. The following should be prepared AFTER the experimentation.

1. Regulated Research Institutional/ Industrial Setting Form (if experimentation was

conducted at a regulated research institute)
To be completed by the qualified scientist or adult supervisor on the regulated research
institution where the experimentation was conducted.
Signatory: Supervising adult

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NEEDED FOR SOME RESEARCH:

*BEFORE means should be completed before the experimentation

*AFTER means should be completed after the experimentation
1. Risk Assessment Form- before; for research involving hazardous chemicals, activities or devices
and microorganisms
2. Human Participants Form- before; for research involving human participants not in a regulated
research institute
3. Human Informed Consent Form- before; this serves as the official consent of the human
participants for research involving human participation
4. Vertebrate Animal Form (5a)- before; for research involving vertebrate animals conducted not
in the regulated research institution
5. Vertebrate Animal Form (5b)- before; for research involving vertebrate animals conducted in a
regulated research institution
6. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6a)- before; for research
involving microorganisms, recombinant DNA, fresh or frozen tissue, blood and blood products,
and body fluids
7. Human and Animal Tissue Form (6b)- before; an additional form to 6a if the research
involves fresh or frozen tissue, blood and blood products, and body fluids
8. Continuation/ Research Progression Projects Form – before; for research that are a
continuation of a previous year’s research

---It is easy to identify Intel ISEF forms that were

prepared AFTER the experimentation---
Prepare these Intel ISEF forms even if not yet expecting to be chosen as participants
in the division, regional or the National Science and Technology Fair. It is good to be
prepared rather than cheat the dates of these Intel ISEF forms!

Case Problems

A student conducted his research at

their school laboratory with the help of
a qualified scientist. Is there a need for
an RRI form?
No. Regulated Research
Institutes include universities,
government agencies and private research
laboratories. However, a Qualified
Scientist Form is still needed in this case.

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The regional Scientific Review Committee (judges during the regional science fair)
was looking for a Regulated Research Institution (RRI) Form. However, the regulated
research institute does not want to fill out the form. From what she told and based on
her paper, she did not conduct the experiment. She just submitted extracts and let
the institute do the antimicrobial testing. Is there really a need for RRI form?
No. Only experimentations personally CONDUCTED in a regulated research
institute need the RRI form. It means that she should have been the one who
conducted the antimicrobial test in the regulated research institute and not just
submitted the extract.

An adult sponsor, graduate of Bachelor

of Secondary Education with previous
experience in vertebrate animal
research, signed and completed the
Qualified Scientist Form. Is he allowed
to do so?
No. A qualified scientist must
have a doctoral or masters degree.

The qualified scientist of Team E signed and completed the

Regulated Research Institution (RRI) form. However, the
qualified scientist did not supervise the experiment in the
RRI. Is she allowed to complete and sign the RRI form?
No. The adult supervisor present during the
experimentation in the RRI must be the one to sign and
complete the RRI form.

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Timetable

Some high schools in the Philippines, especially some science high schools like the
Philippine Science High School, are lucky to have multi-year Research in their curriculum. This
means that their students have longer and more focused time to conduct their research. In fact, their
students start experimentation as early as April (during summer). However, not all schools are as
fortunate. Students from many schools conduct research as a co-curricular activity being inserted to
their other academic/non-academic activities. Thus, they have a difficulty producing quality research
that can satisfy the very high standards of the regional and national science and technology fairs.
This also means lessening their chances of having the honor of representing the country at the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair.
Therefore, good time management will be an important solution to this dilemma. The
following is a suggested timetable for schools which will start their research in June:

DATE TIME ACTIVITY

st
1 week of 1 week - Student/s identify their adult-sponsor and team mates (for team
June research)

2 nd to 3 rd week 2 - Student/s conceptualize research topic; read related literatures on

of June weeks the research topic; consult research topic with adult-sponsor; start
writing and preparing the draft of the research plan

4 th week of 1 week - Student/s identify need for a qualified scientist and/or regulated
June research institute; contact qualified scientist and/or regulated research
institute;

1st week of 1 week - Student/s consult adult-sponsor, parents and (if any) qualified
July scientist on the first draft of the research plan; write and prepare final
research plan; prepare necessary Intel ISEF forms

2 nd week of 8 EXPERIMENTATION and DATA ANALYSIS

July to 1st weeks
week of
September
2 nd to 3 rd week 2 - Student/s writes and finalizes the research paper
of September weeks
Memorandum for the Division Science and Technology Fair usually
arrives in this time. If it did not, make sure to contact the Division
Office and clarify the date for the Division Level.

4 th week of 1 week - Student/s prepare and practice for the Division Science and
September Technology Fair; research paper, data logbook, photo-documentation,
Intel ISEF forms, research poster (if indicated in the memorandum)
are prepared

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THE SCIENCE FAIR USUAL SCHEDULES
st
1 week of - Division Science and Technology fair is USUALLY conducted;
October sometimes it is conducted as early as the month of September;
winners will represent the division to the Regional Science and
Technology Fair which is usually scheduled not far from the division
level

3 rd week of - Regional Science and Technology Fair is USUALLY conducted;

October research papers of the winners, with attached Intel ISEF forms and
research plans, are sent to the National Scientific Review Committee
(judges for the National Science and Technology Fair) for preliminary
evaluation

3 rd or 4 th week - National Scientific Review Committee releases results of the

of November preliminary evaluation and the regional winners that qualified for the
National Science and Technology Fair will be notified

1st week of -National Science and Technology Fair is conducted; top ten projects
December are selected as possible members of the Philippine Team to the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair

January to - Top ten projects undergo one-on-one mentoring with experts

February (the (usually judges during the National Science and Technology Fair) to
next year) further improve their projects

February - Projects that qualify as Philippine Team members to Intel ISEF are
announced

March to April -Further one-on-one mentoring with the Philippine Team projects

1st week of - Philippine Team undergoes intensive final training

May
2 nd week of - Intel International Science and Engineering Fair happens!!!
May

Recommendations

Conducting research as late as June will be very difficult. This type of schedule (as
presented in the table) will be very tight, demanding and entails a lot of dedication,
effort and sacrifices. Hence, schools are suggested to offer summer programs
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where incoming research-excited and passionate students can begin their
research. This will give an additional two-month allowance as compared to this type
of schedule presented in the table. Most of the time, rushed research have low
quality, poor execution, and incomplete requirements. These result to non-
qualification even at the regional level.

It is also suggested that schools, perhaps through the PTA, offer research
grants to their students conducting research to help them pay for the cost of
materials and experimentation. Many times, some experiments are poorly executed
because some materials are too expensive. Or, students tend to solicit and ask for
donations first so that they can buy the materials they need. The time consumed for
this activity could have been spent instead on doing the research.

It is also suggested that adult-sponsors call their division/ region from time-to-
time regarding the schedule of their science fair. Some quality research fail to
participate in their science fair because the memorandum did not arrive on time. Or
worse, their division or region might have handpicked their participants due to
deadlines and time constraints.

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Checklist

Before submitting your research paper to the Division Science and Technology Fair, it is
better to have everything already prepared. By doing so, the research will have higher chances of
qualifying to the regional and National Science and Technology Fairs.

These are some of the basic and general questions that should be checked before submitting the
research at the division/regional/National Science and Technology Fair:

_____ 1. Is my research original (or modified, improved version) and did

not just exactly copy existing same research?

_____ 2. Is my research plan well-prepared?

______ 2a. Was it written before the experimentation was conducted?
(written in future tense)
______ 2b. Was it consulted and approved by the adult-sponsor, parent and
if any, qualified scientist?
______ 2c. Were the four main parts included in the research plan?

_____ 3. Are the needed Intel ISEF forms signed and completed by proper
signatories?
______ 3a. Are the dates (eg. date of signature vs. start of experimentation)
matching?
______ 3b. Are the names of signatories (eg. name of adult-sponsor)
consistent?

_____ 4. Was the experimentation (including the data analysis) properly

designed and executed?
______ 4a. Were the variables consistent (eg. if malunggay extracts were
used, then all treatments were also malunggay) ?
______ 4b. Were the factors (including the unwanted factors) influencing the
results properly documented in the research paper?
______ 4c. Did the procedures employed follow its corresponding research
ethics?
______ 4d. Did the procedures employed follow international/local
standards or protocols? If modified, were these modifications properly
documented in the research paper?
______ 4e. Were the appropriate data analysis tools used?

______ 5. Were the results properly and honestly presented in the research
paper?
______ 5a. Were the results NOT manipulated and only results from actual
experimentations were included?

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______ 5b. Were the results presented using only appropriate tools (eg.
tables, graphs)?

______ 6. Were the abstract, title, and parts of the research paper well-
written?
______ 6a. Was the abstract written with no more than 250 words and
included only the essential information?
______ 6b. Is the title not too lengthy and directly relays what the research is
all about?
______ 6c. Are the parts of the research paper concisely written?

______ 7. Were there no plagiarized parts in the research paper?

______ 7a. Were references used all cited properly using standard citation
systems (eg. APA, MLA)?
______ 7b. Were the sentences and paragraphs based from references
paraphrased/précis-written/summarized and not just directly copy-pasted?

A complete research paper must include the following:

____ 1. Abstract
____ 2. Research Plan
____ 3. Intel ISEF Forms
____ 4. IMRaDC Paper

If all these questions were checked, then the research is ready for submission for the science fair.
However, these are just again the basic and general questions. The research and all its components
from the Intel ISEF forms to the research paper must be further scrutinized.

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 Road to ISEF: Practical Guide in Local Science Fairs
Galang (2014)

Network of ISEF About NIAP

Alumni Philippines
Elson Ian Nyl Galang
Editor-in-Chief, Head

Carla Beatriz Lazara NIAP or the Network of ISEF Alumni Philippines is an

Vice Head independent, non-profit and student-run group which aims to
promote the passion for science especially for pre-college scientific
Hazel Anne Hernandez
Secretary
research. It is composed of the alumni or the country
representatives to the premiere pre-college competition, the Intel
Abien Fred Agarap International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). It conducts
Associate Editor
basic workshops for pre-college scientific research and
Judel Jay Tabsing enhancement trainings for various science fair winners; helps in
Online Editor preparation of the Philippine Team to the Intel ISEF; and
Ven Gabriel Tan
maintains a website that provides opportunities, updates and
Information Officer information on pre-college science activities in the country.
Engr. Liberato Ramos
Consultant e-mail: [email protected]
visit us: https://www.sites.google.com/niaphil

What do we offer?
Basic and Enhancement Training for Pre-college Research
→ for students and teachers of schools, division or regions
→ for division/regional science fair winners preparing for the regional/ national levels
→ include topics such as Conceptualizing and Designing Good Research, Writing the Research Paper: The
IMRaDC way, Preparing for the Oral Presentation and Defense
→ speakers are actual Philippine alumni to the Intel ISEF who will share not only their technical
skills on research but their experiences at the regional, national and international levels as well
→ NO NEED FOR SPEAKERS’ HONORARIUM! We are more than honored to share our skills!
However, requesting school/division/region must provide accommodation and transportation for
the speakers (we usually request alumni residing near the area of training).
→ can be a one-day/ two-day/ three-day training depending on the number of topics requested
→ we also offer free consultation for research that qualified for the next level! They will undergo
oral presentation and mock defense with our alumni.

Regional Enhancement Training of Regional Science Fair Winners at NEAP, Davao City (2013)
Interested? E-mail us now!

We are also looking for NIAP volunteers who can help us achieve our goals!
Visit our website now!
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 Road to ISEF: Practical Guide in Local Science Fairs
Galang (2014)

WAS THIS GUIDE USEFUL?

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-EING, Author

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