Pre-Approval FAQ

Answers to common questions about which projects require pre-approval and how to submit your proposal to the Science Review Committee (SRC).

checklist

4 Steps for Submitting a Pre-Approval Proposal

  1. 1

    Site Coordinator enrolls school in the online system.

  2. 2

    Student logs into the online registration system and enters their information.

  3. 3

    Student receives a password via email.

  4. 4

    Student logs back into the registration system and enters their pre-approval proposal.

people

Human Subjects & Activities

Pre-approval is required for any project where participants:

  • check_circleAre surveyed about their habits (eating, screen time, preferences)
  • check_circleTake tests or quizzes
  • check_circlePerform physical activities (jumping rope, running, video games, blindfolded walking)
  • check_circleConsume medications, herbs, or food/drink substances

The SRC ensures participant safety, prevents injuries, maintains confidentiality, and prohibits use of identifying information.

block

Prohibited Activities

  • Medications & Medical Procedures California Education Code prohibits students from administering medications or performing medical procedures on human subjects or vertebrate animals, with limited exceptions for veterinary supervision of personal animals.
  • Firearms California Education Code prohibits students from using firearms in any project.
  • Growing Microbes at Home Culturing microbes in home kitchens is prohibited due to institutional culturing regulations.
biotech

Biological Materials

check_circle No pre-approval needed

  • Plant cells
  • Animal cells from grocery store meat
  • Hair that has been cut (not pulled with follicle)

warning Pre-approval required

  • Hair pulled with attached follicles
  • Cheek or skin cells from self or others
  • Any cultured bacteria or microbes
pets

Vertebrate Animals

All projects involving live vertebrate animals require veterinary supervision to ensure humane treatment and proper post-experiment care. Animals cannot be killed, released into the wild, returned to stores, or given to shelters.

Observing natural animal behavior without manipulation does not require pre-approval. Any environmental manipulation or potential danger to the animal does require pre-approval.

dangerous

Hazardous Materials & Equipment

warning Pre-approval required

  • All lasers (Classes I–IV)
  • Car batteries (wet cell)
  • Paintball guns
  • Archery equipment
  • Burning solid substances outside school
  • Burning chemicals or motor oil
  • Hazardous household chemicals (ammonia, bleach)
  • Non-household chemicals (check Safety Data Sheets)
  • Rockets (even sealed kits)
  • Gasoline-powered or remote-control cars

check_circle No pre-approval needed

  • Candles (with proper safety precautions)
  • Battery-operated RC cars
  • Most household chemicals used as intended (vinegar, baking soda, soap)
  • Yeast used for baking (not culturing)
coronavirus

Microbes, Bacteria & Yeast

Bacteria

Culturing any bacteria requires SRC approval. Prohibited species include MRSA, VRE, and multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus require pre-approval and supporting institutional signatures.

Mold

Growing mold colonies on petri dishes requires pre-approval. Growing mold on food outside the house with disposal at first appearance does not require approval.

Yeast

Culturing large yeast colonies requires SRC pre-approval. Baking applications (e.g., making bread) do not.

Important: Growing microbes in home kitchens is prohibited regardless of pre-approval status.