Getting started
Levels of involvement
School and student involvement can range from becoming a full-scale science research school where everyone completes projects to partial school participation to independent entries.
Learn moreFree educational outreach
SARSEF Education Specialists will come to your school to teach your students how to solve a real-world problem using science and engineering practices and get them excited about doing a research project.
Learn moreTypes of projects
Projects can be done by individual students, in small teams, or as a class/group. Students will determine their topic category and whether their project is science or engineering.
Learn moreBefore the SARSEF Regional Fair
Holding a school fair
If the number of projects completed at your school is greater than your allotment for projects that can advance to the SARSEF Regional Fair, you will need to hold a school science fair.
Learn moreSelecting projects for the SARSEF Fair
Each school should hold its own science fair and choose top projects to advance to the SARSEF Regional Fair, based on the school's allocation.
Learn moreRegistering projects for the SARSEF Fair
In January, registration for the SARSEF Regional Fair opens. School Fair Directors can register winning projects and upload files.
Learn moreSARSEF Regional Fair Week
Project Floor Goes Live
To kick off the SARSEF Regional Fair and the opening of the virtual project floor, we will have a large Opening Celebration to congratulate all those who have participated in science and engineering projects this year.
Learn moreProject judging
Throughout the week, projects will be evaluated by judging teams and award recipients will be determined. According to the judging schedule for the week, students will have the opportunity to be interviewed over Zoom.
Learn moreCelebration Event
On Friday morning of the Fair, a list of award recipients is posted on the Fair Website. Students and families attend the Awards Ceremonies on Saturday of Fair Week to discover what award(s) they've received.
Learn moreOther competitions
SARSEF winners may qualify for other competitions, and often, projects for SARSEF may be used in additional competitions.
Learn moreSARSEF-endorsed schools
Each year, SARSEF educators award two K-12 educational institutions that exemplify using STEM curriculum in their classrooms to teach problem-solving and critical thinking the title of SARSEF-endorsed school.
Learn more