Why Should My Students Participate?
Students should participate in science and engineering fairs because it encourages creativity and ingenuity and promotes an inquiry-based approach to learning. Students develop a question, conduct research, analyze data, and share findings. It is an effective way to engage students in applying their knowledge of the scientific method, while further developing skills in areas of literacy, mathematics, and communications. It also promotes positive attitudes towards science and demonstrates to students the relevance of science and research. And if you are still not convinced… it’s also a lot of fun!
Eligibility
All students attending private, public, charter, parochial, or home schools in Spokane, Whitman, Lincoln, Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties are eligible to participate in the fair. Students must first compete in the EWRSEF in order to be eligible for the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair.
Rules and Guidelines
The EWRSEF rules and guidelines are the same as the International Science & Engineering Fair’s (ISEF) standards. Check out the ISEF Rules & Guidelines to learn more.
Science projects should be hypothesis-based and follow the scientific method. Engineering projects should have engineering goals and produce a product. A wonderful resource is the 2012 CSRSEF Project Guide.
Many class assignments, senior projects, and displays created for other science competitions can be entered into the fair.
Tips and Advice
The Tips and Advice page lists steps for your students to follow to complete their projects.
Registration Deadlines
Teachers should register before their students. Students need to select their teacher and school during the registration process.
Projects involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents (ANY microorganisms or viruses), or hazardous chemicals, activities or devices need to be registered online no later than January 15, 2021. Students can not start their projects until they have received approval by the ESRSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Internal Revue Board (IRB). Students are therefore strongly encouraged to register early. Check out the ISEF Forms Wizard to determine if you need extra forms!
All other projects need to be submitted by January 13, 2023.
Fair Date:
Projects will be judged March 15. The event may be a hybrid of in-person and virtual.
Teacher Resources
Watch a YouTube video of the EWRSEF teacher information meeting.
Download a project checklist to help your students keep on track with their projects.
Teachers are encouraged to explore our online Resource Center, particularly the teacher resources contained under Science Fair Guides.
Judging Criteria
We encourage you to become familiar with the fair’s Project Categories and the Judging Guidelines & Criteria. Students can work on a project individually or in a team (maximum of 3 students) on the science or engineering project of their choice that falls within one of the fair’s Project Categories.
Get Involved
In addition to encouraging your students to participate in the fair, teachers can get involved in the following ways:
- Field Trips: Plan a field trip to the EWRSEF on Thursday, March 15, 2023. Public viewing hours begin at 11:45 am.
- Be a Judge: Volunteering as a judge is a great way to learn more about the science and engineering fair process.
Event Information
The complete fair schedule, a campus map, and parking information for the WSU Spokane Campus can be found on our Schedule page.
FAQ
Have questions about rules, guidelines, or registration? Contact us or check out our Frequently Asked Questions.