Finalists for elementary, middle, and high school divisions are strongly encouraged to prepare a display and/or prototype of their invention for the finalist competition on February 11th.  Immediately after the competition, the finalist displays will be exhibited at the University of South Florida between February 11 and February 19. 

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Guidelines for the displays:

1.  EXHIBIT DISPLAY SIZE MUST NOT BE MORE THAN 48 INCHES WIDE, 30 INCHES DEEP, AND 9 FEET HIGH FROM THE FLOOR. All apparatus must fit inside this exhibit space. Note:  Most projects will be displayed on top of a table. 
2. NO LIVING CREATURES WILL BE EXHIBITED.
3. The exhibition of human and animal parts is prohibited.
4. Photographs and other visuals of vertebrates in other-than-normal conditions (i.e. dissection) may not be displayed.

Prohibited Items (some have special rules that are identified in italics)

1. Organisms, fungi, any type of cultured growth, spoiled foods or molds are prohibited. Petri dishes may be photographed or simulated but may not include active cultures.
2. Open, unpackaged human or animal food, or substances that look like food are prohibited unless completely sealed.
3. Syringes, pipettes, mercury thermometers and similar devices are prohibited.
4. Any flames, open or concealed are prohibited.
5. Highly flammable, combustible gases, liquids, or solids are prohibited.
6. Dangerous chemicals including caustics and acids are prohibited. Mild acids, such as vinegar must be sealed meeting the requirements for display of food.
7. Poisons, toxic and hazardous chemicals, drugs and other controlled substances are prohibited.
8. Dry ice or other sublimating solids are prohibited.
9. Tanks that have contained combustible liquids or gases are prohibited unless they have been purged with carbon dioxide.
10. Operation of a class III or IV laser is not allowed.
11. Projects with belts, pulleys, chains, moving parts with tension or pinch points that pose a potential hazard to observers must be shielded unless movement is disabled.
12. Any exhibit producing temperatures exceeding 80°C (140°F) must be adequately insulated from its surroundings.
13. Batteries with open top cells are not permitted. Other types of batteries may be used for electrical power.

Special Care Needed

1. High-voltage equipment MUST be shielded with a grounded metal box or cage to prevent accidental contact.
2. High voltage wiring, switches, and metal parts MUST be located out of reach of observers and designed with an adequate overload safety factor.
3. Electric circuits for 110-volt AC MUST have an Underwriter Laboratories- approved cord of proper load-carrying capacity, which is at least nine feet long and equipped with a standard grounded or polarized plug.
4. All wiring MUST be properly insulated; Nails, tacks, or uninsulated staples MUST NOT be used to fasten wiring.
5. Bare wire and exposed knife-switches may be used only on circuits of 12 volts or less. The only power to be supplied will be standard 110-volt AC.
6. Electrical connections in 110-volt circuits MUST be soldered or fixed under approved connectors. Connecting wires must be properly insulated.

Waiver

Participants herein release University of South Florida and Innovation Express Corporation (IEC) from of claims of damage, theft or other appropriation of participant displays.  The University of South Florida and IEC reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to reject, remove, return, destroy or alter any display deemed unfit for any reason.