Multi-step Registration Process

The Registration Process using SurveyMonkey is a multi-step process which includes:

  • SRC Initial Screening
  • Pre-Approval w/ Certifications
  • Project Registration

Use this link to begin the multi-step process: https://ocsef.smapply.io/prog/ocsef_2021/

Initial Screening

All projects  require initial screening. OCSEF is using SurveyMonkey Apply for our 2021 registration software. The first step, Initial Screening should be started by February 22 by all Orange County students planning to enter a project in our 2021 Fair. This allows time for students to complete all the steps of the registration process by the March 1 deadline. Due to the nature of science and engineering research, the initial screening process is for YOUR SAFETY and PROTECTION. Registration: https://ocsef.smapply.io/prog/ocsef_2021/

If the student answers “no” to all 4 questions posed in the Initial Screening, the Registration System will request from the student a Signed Parent Affidavit and a signed Teacher Approval Form, both available as online forms. Once the parent and teacher online approval/signatures are completed, the student will be asked to “review” their application (making any necessary edits) and “submit”.

Project Pre-Approval

Projects involving (1) humane treatment of live vertebrate animals, (2) hazards control (i.e. projects involving microbiology, vertebrate animal tissue, hazardous chemicals and hazardous equipment), (3) human subjects and/or (4) regulated research (at a lab facility) must follow proper state/federal safety regulations and submit a proposal, along with appropriate Certification Form(s), for additional pre-approval prior to the start of any research. After completing the Initial Screening, if the student answers “yes” to any/all of the 4 questions posed, the registration system will move students to the Pre-Approval Questionnaire which will require completion of appropriate certification forms. 
https://ocsef.smapply.io/prog/ocsef_2021/

Please contact src.ocsef@gmail.com for any additional questions.

Project Registration

Once a student completes his/her Initial Screening and Pre-Approval (with appropriate certification forms, if needed), the Registration System will move students to the PROJECT REGISTRATION for the Virtual OCSEF competition. https://ocsef.smapply.io/prog/ocsef_2021/

  • Project online registration opens Jan 4, 2021
  • Registration/initial Pre-screen SRC Approval should be started by February 22, 2021
  • Registration and Project Check-In closes Mar 1, 2021
  • Application Status can be found at https://ocsef.smapply.io/prog/ocsef_2021/

The following project components must be uploaded to the OCSEF student project registration site (Detailed instructions for uploading will be on the project registration site):

  • Maximum 3 min video about your project
  • Project summary report
  • Picture of your display board
  • Pictures of key pages from the log book

With our decision to hold a virtual fair for 2021, OCSEF offers two options for student project display boards:

Option #1

Prepare a traditional display board that adheres to all specifications and restrictions. Upon completion, upload a digital picture of your board when registering your project online . The digital picture must capture ALL essential board components AND BE CLEARLY VISIBLE AND READABLE TO ANY VIEWER.

Option #2

Use a pre-designed digital backboard Google Slide Deck Template presentation, adhering to all criteria and formatting clearly outlined in the first two slides of the template. Once the slide deck presentation is completed, save the file as a PDF and upload it when registering your project online.  Although use of a digital backboard slide deck is an option, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and will better assist students in structuring their interviews with judges

Download 2021 OCSEF Digital Template

Project Video

In the OCSEF 2021 Virtual format, every student has to submit a 3-minute video that includes the following:

Introduction:

  • Your name, grade and school
  • The title of your project, explaining your question and hypothesis
  • Equipment used in your project

Methods:

Science Projects

  • Your experimental process
  • Variables that you controlled and tested
  • Size of your test group and number of trials

Engineering Projects

  • The engineering problem you wanted to solve
  • What you built
  • What you did to improve your project

Conclusion:

  • Explain your observations, data, charts and graphs.
  • What would be further research ideas or additional questions and next steps based on your experiments?
  • Who might be interested in your findings, and why?

Group Projects:

  • If you have a group project, every student must present in the video. 
    • Groups of two – each student presents for 1.5 minute each. 
    • Groups of three – each students presents for 1 minute each. 
  • Please combine the videos to one video only for submission. Youtube has some great resources on how to combine videos.  
  • Remember, during a face-to-face interview, each student gets a chance to present and we expect the same in the video as well.