OK so I stumbled upon the prestigious research competitions of Intel STS (Science Talent Search) and Siemens in Science, Mathematics, and Technology. I'm currently doing biomedical research at an institution in NJ and so, I thought to myself, why not go for it and enter the competitions? I began both applications several weeks ago, and halfway through both, I realized with horror that I would not qualify for either. Here's why:
1. I broke the rule that I could not take part in invasive procedures towards vertebrate animals because I dissected mice for brain tissue.
2. I broke the rule that no animal could be harmed for the sole purpose of my research project, and they were.
Needless to say, I'm devastated because I really thought that I could've gone far in this competition. It would have been a huge opportunity to place and earn some money for college. I already finished half of the application for both, and am getting ready to ask several teachers this fall for a recommendation.
My question is: Should I "fudge" up the methods for my project? I could easily state that I didn't dissect any animals and the brain tissue was simply provided for me by my supervisor. I could easily lie about that and move on in the competition, hopefully becoming a semi-finalist which was my goal. However, I really shouldn't lie for obvious reasons. It's wrong and it's not fair to the other students entering this competition who did follow the rules.
What do you think I should do?
1. I broke the rule that I could not take part in invasive procedures towards vertebrate animals because I dissected mice for brain tissue.
2. I broke the rule that no animal could be harmed for the sole purpose of my research project, and they were.
Needless to say, I'm devastated because I really thought that I could've gone far in this competition. It would have been a huge opportunity to place and earn some money for college. I already finished half of the application for both, and am getting ready to ask several teachers this fall for a recommendation.
My question is: Should I "fudge" up the methods for my project? I could easily state that I didn't dissect any animals and the brain tissue was simply provided for me by my supervisor. I could easily lie about that and move on in the competition, hopefully becoming a semi-finalist which was my goal. However, I really shouldn't lie for obvious reasons. It's wrong and it's not fair to the other students entering this competition who did follow the rules.
What do you think I should do?