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Any project that needs any of the following forms is required to register their project online AND submit their project proposal to the Scientific Review Committee/Institutional Review Board by January 17, 2020. 

 

Why Compete?

A science or engineering project answers the question ‘Why do I need to learn this stuff?’ Independent research projects (like those at science fairs) build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and create learning opportunities beyond the classroom.  They develop skills in science, math, English, and and critical thinking, and meet many of the Next Generation Science Standards for students. Science fair projects take students on a journey of learning and discovery that can inspire a  love of inquiry and research.

Graduating high school students that receive awards and recognition at regional fairs and beyond have a distinct advantage over other college applicants in being considered and accepted by the schools of their choice. This is because science fair honors rank high among the screening factors used by admissions officers at most top universities.

Entering a project into a regional competition like the Eastern Washington Regional Science & Engineering Fair can provide recognition, awards and scholarships, and open doors of opportunity. All students that participate in the EWRSEF are eligible to compete in the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair.

Project Examples

Each year, high school students from more than 40 countries qualify for Intel ISEF by winning affiliated regional fairs like the EWRSEF. The chance to win a share of $3 million in prizes adds to the excitement at the event, but many students describe even bigger motivations—curing cancer, designing fuel-efficient vehicles, being the first to solve a mathematical problem, or helping the blind have greater access to information. Check out the ISEF, WSSEF, and CSRSEF websites for examples.

Project Categories

EWRSEF uses the same categories as ISEF. Each project must be entered into one of the 20 science, math, and engineering categories.  Many projects can easily fit into more than one ISEF category, therefore, it is your decision to choose the category that most accurately describes your project.

Judging Criteria

All projects will be judged using criteria based on the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair.

Science Fair Guides

The Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair, another ISEF-affiliated science fair, has put together a fantastic guide that follows the same rules for EWRSEF. This guide is extremely beneficial to all participants and essential to your success!

2013 CSRSEF Student and Teacher Guide: A basic overview of the science and engineering fair process from beginning to end.

Here are a few more useful links to related guidelines:

2020 ISEF Rules and Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs

Marlborough High School Science Fair Packet:  A teacher-developed science fair packet that contains grading rubrics, worksheets, and data analysis methods for students and teachers.

Washington State Science Fairs

Washington State is home to six ISEF-affiliated science fairs: five regional fairs and one state-wide competition.  Students MUST participate in a regional fair (if available) to be eligible to compete at the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair.

Display Regulations

While EWRSEF adheres to ISEF display and safety regulations, we understand that in many cases, EWRSEF will serve as a student’s first competitive science fair. With this in mind, we encourage students to follow the ISEF display and safety rules, but EWRSEF will not disqualify a project unless unsafe for the participants, judges, or visitors.  We will have students remove prohibited materials from the display.

Tips & Advice

Work on something you yourself are interested in. You don’t need to know all about your topic when you start. That is the whole idea of doing research. Good projects are ones that you have fun with. Start Early. This gives you more time for research and to polish your presentation.

Online Resources

These websites contain a variety of information about science and engineering fairs; from planning and background research, to putting together a display board.   If you choose to use these resources, please note that the guidelines on these web sites may differ slightly from the EWRSEF guidelines. Be sure to follow only EWRSEF, WSSEF, or ISEF guidelines.