- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Student Events
- Chester County Science Research Competition
Overview
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The CCSRC is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and developing scientific inquiry and discovery through individual and team science projects conducted by elementary, middle and high school students. We believe that students are the foundation of our nation's future. Their understanding and accomplishments in science and technology will prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow and successful citizens in our technologically advancing society.
The CCSRC consists of two fairs:
- The Dr. Lucy Balian Rorke-Adams Fair for grades 6-12
- The Dr. Jonas Salk Fair for grades 4-5
In order for students to participate in the CCSRC, they must work with their school's trained science fair coordinator, preferably beginning in late October or early November. To find out if your school has a trained coordinator, please contact ScienceFair@cciu.org.
Additional Information and Resources
- ISEF Forms (open forms in Chrome or Adobe Acrobat for fillable forms)
- Overview of Forms and Dates
- Society for Science Rules Wizard
- How to Develop a Science Fair Project (Presentation)
- Cyberbee Science Fairs
- Science Fair Central
- Society for Science Research at Home
- Science Buddies Hands-on Science Resources for Home and School
2023-24 Rorke-Adams Award Ceremony
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March 11, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Science Fair - Rorke-Adams Open House
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March 12, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Science Fair - Salk Open House
CCSRC Sponsorship Opportunities
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Contact Us
Beliefs
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- The Chester County Science Research Competition sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit provides an opportunity for students to pursue inquiry-based science through problem-solving, planning and conducting research investigations, and using appropriate tools to gather and analyze data.
- Inquiry-based science is an integral part of science education. Students doing experimental research exemplify the true nature of science. It is our belief that participation in the CCSRC both compliments and better prepares students to take the high-stakes Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in science education.
- Through the utilization of the rules established by the Society for Science for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, we provide a safe and flexible learning environment that promotes creativity, investigation and critical thinking.
- The Chester County Science Research Competition also provides an opportunity for students to present their projects to professional adults and scientists as they communicate the results of their investigations at the local, regional, national and international levels.
- Specifically, the CCSRC recognizes and honors participating students from all Chester County schools at an annual regional science fair. We also provide an opportunity for finalists from the Chester County Science Research Competition to compete at the Delaware Valley Science Fairs (DVSF). For those high school students who are successful at the DVSF, a trip awaits to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
- It is our belief that the Chester County Science Research Competition and its affiliated fairs encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, mathematics, and/or engineering by providing a forum for developing academic skills, conducting independent scientific investigations, writing research papers, speaking, preparing an organized display, and utilizing the scientific method.
School Coordinators
Categories
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Behavioral and Social Sciences
Human and animal behavior, social and community relationships---psychology, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, ethology, ethnology, linguistics, learning, perceptions, urban problems, reading problems, public opinion surveys, educational testing, etc. Many projects in this category will require IRB approval. Some may require SRC approval, so please be aware of early deadlines for paperwork.
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Biochemistry
Chemistry of life processes---molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.
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Botany
Study of plant life---agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, etc.
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Chemistry
Study of nature and composition of matter and laws governing it---physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc.
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Computer Science
Study and development of computer hardware, software engineering, Internet networking and communications, graphics (including human interface), simulations/virtual reality or computational science (including data structures, encryption, coding and information theory)
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Consumer Science
The science of the normal use of consumer products including product testing and comparison. Only applies to students in grades 4-8 for CCSRC and grades 6-8 for DVSF. Many projects in this category will require IRB approval.
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Earth & Space Sciences
Geology, mineralogy, physiology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, speleology, seismology, geography, astronomy, planetary science, etc.
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Engineering
Technology; projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses---civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic, sound, automotive, marine, heating and refrigerating, transportation, environmental engineering, etc.
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Environmental Science
Study of pollution (air, water, and land) sources and their control; ecology
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Mathematics
Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of these principles---calculus, geometry, abstract algebra, number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability.
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Medicine & Health
Study of diseases and health of humans and animals---dentistry, pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, etc. many projects in this category will require IRB approval. Some may require SRC approval, so please be aware of early deadlines for paperwork.
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Microbiology
Biology of microorganisms---bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungi, bacterial genetics, yeast, etc. ALMOST ALL PROJECTS IN THIS CATEGORY WILL REQUIRE SRC APPROVAL. Please be aware of early deadlines for paperwork.
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Physics
Theories, principles, and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter---solid state, optics, acoustics, particle, nuclear, atomic, plasma, superconductivity, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetism, quantum mechanics, biophysics, etc.
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Team Projects
Projects can be in any of the scientific areas listed above. Team projects are judged with all other Team projects. They do not compete with individual projects in the categories listed above. These projects may also need either IRB or SRC approval, depending on the nature of the research, so please be aware of early deadlines for paperwork. Please email your CCSRC consultant or sciencefair@cciu.org if you have questions.
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Zoology
Study of animals---animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, animal ecology, paleontology, cellular physiology, circadian rhythms, animal husbandry, cytology, histology, animal physiology, invertebrate neurophysiology, studies of invertebrates. MANY PROJECTS IN THIS CATEGORY WILL REQUIRE SRC APPROVAL. Please be aware of early deadlines for paperwork.
Judging Levels
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Students are judged in up to 15 categories within six divisions:
- Division A - 12th grade students
- Division B - 11th grade students
- Division C - 10th grade students
- Division D - 9th grade students
- Division E - 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students
- Division F - 4th & 5th grade students