This information will be used as baseline data for Project START to determine the effects of participation in the Eastern SD Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

                                                        INFORMED CONSENT FORM
                                                   Participation in a Research Project
                                                      South Dakota State University
                                                             Brookings, SD 57007

Department:  Science Fair/Office of Academic Affairs
Project Director:  Madeleine Rose, Ph.D., R.D., L.N.
Phone No.:  605-688-5876
e-Mail:  Madeleine.Rose@sdstate.edu
Date:  September 27, 2005

We are conducting a study entitled "Project START" as part of a Science Fair Project START workshop at South Dakota State University.

The purpose of the study is to collect baseline data about what former science fair participants have been doing and to determine if participation in the science fair affected their plans.

You, as a former science fair participant, are invited to participate in the study by completing the following short online survey.  We realize that your time is valuable and have attempted to keep the requested information as brief and concise as possible. It will take you approximately 5 minutes of your time. Your participation in this project is voluntary.   Only those individuals 18 years or older can complete the survey.  Wait for your birthday if it will be in a few months.

There are no known risks to your participation in this study.  If you find a question upsetting, you do not have to answer the question.  Names and addresses used to contact participants cannot be matched to online responses to the survey.  Names, addresses, email addresses, etc. are not collected online.  When you submit the survey, the return address is SDSU_ScienceFair@sdstate.edu.

There are no direct benefits or compensation.

Your responses are strictly confidential.  When the data are presented in a written report, you will not be linked to the data by your name, title or any other identifying item.

Your consent is implied by your completion of the online questionnaire.  If you have any questions, now or later, you may contact us at the number below. Thank you very much for your time and assistance.  If you have any questions regarding this study, you may contact Dr. Debra Spear, Chairperson of the Human Subjects Committee at 605-688-6578, Debra_Spear@sdstate.edu.

Sincerely,

Madeleine Rose, Ph.D., R.D., L.N.
Eastern SD Science & Engineering Fair Director and Project Director
Office of Academic Affairs
Box 2201, SAD 230
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Phone No. 605-688-5876