Participation Guidelines

As Students from Grade K to 8 are gearing up for this 2nd East Windsor – Hightstown Science Symposium to compete in the area of STEM, we want to provide some guidelines and instructions to the participants. Please render your support in abiding by these instructions.

• The team must submit abstract before deadline (not to exceed 300 words).
• Give yourself enough time so that you can be at the Hightstown High School Cafeteria at least an hour before the judging session begins. Please refer to Event Day details and communications from organizing committee for the final activity timeline.
• Please pick up a registration package at the registration desk on the day of the event.
• Each team will be provided with tables (and an assigned number) to display their poster and/or the model; they may have to share with other teams as well.
• You will be assigned an approximate time slot when you need to be present in the assigned judging room.
• Ensure that the project exhibits are mobile and can be carried to the judging room.
• Volunteers will in moving the whole presentation to the judging room. Parents are welcome to assist.
• Parents are not allowed in the judging rooms, they can however help move or set up the display in the judging room.
• At least one person of your team should always be at your display.
• The participants are responsible to bring their electric extension cards, accessories, etc.
• Each team is allotted 15 mins of judging time including the setup, presentation and responses to questions.
• Team projects will be judged based on a rubric. Download sample rubric here.
• Abstract must exactly reflect your project. (Teams will have opportunity to resubmit your amended abstract 7 days before the event, if there are any updates.)
• All displays must be removed after the award ceremony.
• Please refrain from eating or drinking around the display station only use assigned eating areas.
• Please submit parental consent form once the registration is complete. Download form here.
• The following are strictly not permitted in the preparation or the display of the project
  1. Live animals
  2. Exposed microbial cultures or fungi, living or dead
  3. Animal or human parts, except for teeth, hair, nails, and dried animal bones
  4. Chemicals and/or their empty containers, including caustics, acids, and household cleaners
  5. Open or concealed flames
  6. Batteries with open-top cells
  7. Combustible materials
  8. Aerosol cans of household solvents
  9. Controlled substances, poisons, or drugs
  10. Any equipment or device that would be hazardous to the public
  11. Sharp items, such as syringes, knives, and needles
  12. Gases
• Safety of the participants and the guests is of utmost importance at the science symposium.
• If you need assistance, please reach out to one of the volunteers.