A workshop to increase your ability to confidently and easily encourage authentic research opportunities in the classroom.
Are you engaged in supporting K-12 science and engineering research projects in a school setting? Are you a teacher or administrator and want to start or expand science fair participation at your school? Whether you are new to science and engineering fairs or a seasoned alumni, this workshop will increase your ability to confidently and easily encourage authentic research opportunities in the classroom.
Workshop topics include project basics, data visualization strategies, digital literacy, judging tips, inquiry-based learning ideas, and more!
Attendees will earn certificate for 4 hours of professional development from SARSEF.
Workshops will:
Address common teacher, student, and parent questions
Present important frameworks on how to support student research
Encourage student-centered 3-dimensional science teaching and learningIntegrate teaching Science Standards with real-world investigations
Give you the opportunity to network with other administrators and educators committed to integrating science and engineering practices into the classroom
Lunch and light refreshments will be served.
Prepare your students to participate in a regional science fair, presenting their research to local STEM professionals and gaining the confidence and encouragement to investigate the things they care about!
A workshop to increase your ability to confidently and easily encourage authentic research opportunities in the classroom.
Are you engaged in supporting K-12 science and engineering research projects in a school setting? Are you a teacher or administrator and want to start or expand science fair participation at your school? Whether you are new to science and engineering fairs or a seasoned alumni, this workshop will increase your ability to confidently and easily encourage authentic research opportunities in the classroom.
Workshop topics include
project basics
data visualization strategies
digital literacy
judging tips
inquiry-based learning ideas
Attendees will earn certificate for 3.5 hours of professional development from SARSEF.
Workshops will:
Address common teacher, student, and parent questions
Present important frameworks on how to support student research
Encourage student-centered 3-dimensional science teaching and learning
Integrate teaching Science Standards with real-world investigations
Give you the opportunity to network with other administrators and educators committed to integrating science and engineering practices into the classroom
Lunch and light refreshments will be served.
Prepare your students to participate in a regional science fair, presenting their research to local STEM professionals and gaining the confidence and encouragement to investigate the things they care about!
The State 48 Graduate Profile connects Arizona workforce, nonprofits, and education stakeholders under a shared language of the skills Arizona graduates should have.
What is the State 48 Graduate Profile?
The State 48 Graduate Profile is a framework of shared ideas about what skills Arizona graduates should have to succeed in a rapidly changing technological world. The profile was developed by the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy, in partnership with the SciTech Institute and the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). Anyone in any sector can be part of the State 48 Graduate Profile. The profile defines 4 Futures and 8 Essentials that provide a glance of what Arizonans want for high school graduates.
The 4 Futures include:
Enrollment
Employment
Enlistment & Service
Entrepreneurship
The 4 Futures are post-secondary paths that graduates can take, each defined with a purpose. Any of the futures can be combined or sequential, meaning a graduate does not have to choose one path.
The 8 Essentials include:
Knowledge & Literacy
Digital Fluency
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Creative & Innovative Thinking
Self-Awareness & Management
Adaptability & Lifelong Learning
Collaboration & Communication
Ethics & Impact
The 8 Essentials are skills that graduates should possess to help them thrive in the future.
Using Science Fair as a Case Study
Inquiry-based learning has been shown to be effective in inquiry skill development (Ješková et al., 2022), which are represented in the 8 Essentials. An excellent example of inquiry-based learning is participation in a science fair. When students participate in a science fair, they learn how to ask questions and identify problems, develop and use models, plan investigations, collect data, construct explanations, create presentations, and practice science communication.
Three students present their project to a judge at the 2026 High School Interview Day with SARSEF.
SARSEF’s mission is to help create the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers in Arizona, and the State 48 Graduate Profile provides a shared framework for how others can achieve similar goals in their industry.
We encourage participation in science fair, and thus the learning of the 8 Essentials for all ages and abilities. The SARSEF Fair allows for participation in ages PreK – 12, and we provide opportunities for families and teachers to learn about science fair and other inquiry-based learning through our diverse program offerings.
SARSEF also looks to the future for Arizona students. Although we do not provide programing that sways towards a specific career path, we expose students of all ages to the 4 Futures. We hold programing on college campuses so that students can begin to see themselves belong in those spaces. We collaborate with community partners to provide meaningful STEM experiences with real people in varied workforces and career paths. In the collecting of our own data, we ask students what their plans are for the future, whether it be workforce, enlistment, education, or other.
Conclusion
The State 48 Graduate profile provides a shared framework across Arizona to help our graduates thrive in their future. SARSEF recognizes itself as an important advocate and change-maker in the Arizona STEM Education field, and plan to use the graduate profile to inform how we interact with Arizona students.
Citations
Ješková, Z., Lukáč, S., Šnajder, Ľ., Guniš, J., Klein, D., & Kireš, M. (2022). Active Learning in STEM Education with Regard to the Development of Inquiry Skills. Education Sciences, 12(10), 686. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100686
Zach and Anika are two students who recently graduated from Sonoran Science Academy in Tucson, AZ. Both of them have competed in the SARSEF Fair, and have cited SARSEF as a catalyst in their life to pursue a career in STEM. SARSEF’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator Claire Gibson and Chief Program Officer Dani Wright sat down with Zach and Anika for an interview about how their involvement with STEM and SARSEF has shaped their life. Zach and Anika competed in the 2026 SARSEF Fair on a project titled Redox‐Modulated Speciation and Quantitative Bio-accessibility of Iron in Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extracts for Iron-Deficiency Anemia, which one first place and the top SARSEF Fair Award, the Tom Grogan Award for Scientific Excellence.
Note: this interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How has SARSEF impacted you life?
Anika: I have been very interested in science fair for a long time. My first project was on elephant toothpaste. My first project in high school with SARSEF was about finding the natural antioxidants from ingredients like turmeric, garlic, and ginger. I wanted to see how they would affect bacterial and microbial growth, because in my culture they use turmeric as a type of medicine and apply it directly to the skin. I wanted to know how that works. My second big project was this one, on using moringa oleifera leaf for treating iron-deficiency. This one turned out much better and I enjoyed this one more because we spent a long time doing it. We spent eight months working on this, with most of it figuring out the protocol and methods.
Zach: When I started high school, I was not a science oriented kid. I struggled with my freshman and sophomore year grades. My biology mentor sat me down and said “You’re going to do SARSEF” and I was like “what is SARSEF?” My first project in junior year was a coding project where I used AI to classify mechanisms of action of drugs in the human body. I did not place but I won some awards and was kind of like, huh, this science thing is actually pretty cool. I like winning. I then spent my summer doing research. I am still doing research. I owe this inspiration to my mentors. I started pushing myself and I realized I can actually help society move forward in science. SARSEF has been a big thing for me and it has changed my perspective on science.
Anika: SARSEF is a great way to figure out if science is for you. I found out that research is for me. Even though I have an interest in engineering, I know I want to keep doing something in a lab. I like the trial and error.
How has your experience doing science changed your future plans and where you saw yourself as a high schooler?
Anika: When I first started high school, science was my least favorite subject. I would not budge from that until my junior year. Once I took biology and chemistry, I found out there is a different aspect of science I do like, such as lab work. Doing lab work helped me figure out I can do science even if I did not like the conceptual parts. Taking these science classes and doing SARSEF has helped me figure out that I can do better if I put myself to it.
Zach: My first exposure to science was physics, and I really love physics because it’s an application of how the world works mathematically which is super cool. Then I got to biology, and that was so hard. When I first came to this school I was frightened by all the expectations to be good at science. It’s in the name. But then I realized you have to do your own thing, and SARSEF helped me realize that. I found my own thing.
What is currently inspiring you in science and engineering as you head into your next steps with college and your career?
Anika: I am really interested in common diseases such as metabolic disease and help figure out ways to have early detection so we can try and prevent those diseases from developing into later stages.
Zach: As the world progresses more and we do more research, it’s the things that seem unsolvable that inspire me. The things that are herculean, such as cancer. If you google me in 50 years, that is where you will find me working on these problems.
Zach and Anika are both holding samples from their science project completed in 2025 – 2026.
Zach: I want to thank SARSEF for what it is. The things that happen in Southern Arizona in science are just incredible. I hope that SARSEF never stops.
Anika: I hope all students from all over still continue to do science fair and research and hopefully find out what they want to do in life.
SARSEF thanks Zach and Anika for their time in interviewing with SARSEF. This interview was made possible through Sonoran Science Academy in Tucson, a recently designated SARSEF Endorsed School.
This workshop is intended for for Fair Directors, educators, and administrators
When: August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Campus
Get ready to learn all about science fair with the annual SARSEF Fair Director’s Conference! Whether you are a new fair director or a seasoned educator, join us on August 29th to attend workshops and hands-on sessions aimed to prepare you for science fair participation and bringing research into your science classroom! Thank you to Broadcom Foundation for their generous support for these conferences.
Workshop topics include project basics, data visualization strategies, digital literacy, judging tips, inquiry-based learning ideas, and more!
Attend workshops addressing common teacher, student, and parent questions
Learn how to support student research
Encourage children noticing and wondering
Integrate teaching Science Standards with real-world investigations
Network with other administrators and educators committed to integrating science and engineering practices into the classroom
Dani Wright, Chief Programs Officer, smiles at the camera and is holding an award.
The Science Fair Director’s Institute (SFDI) was founded by Science Fair Directors from across the United States, created from the need for support of a network of Science Fair Directors who run regional and state science & engineering fairs. The Excellence in Science Fair Leadership Award is a national recognition honoring the individuals who make student research opportunities possible at the highest level.
The SFDI Excellence in Science Fair Leadership Award recognizes a science fair director who exemplifies exceptional leadership, sustained dedication, and a profound commitment to expanding student access to authentic research opportunities. This award honors an individual who consistently goes above and beyond in their role by demonstrating innovation in program development, strength in community and institutional partnerships, and a deep investment in student success. This recognition celebrates not only excellence in leadership, but also the lasting influence a dedicated director can have on generations of young scientists.
The recipient of this award is distinguished by their ability to create and sustain impactful science fair programs, expand access and equity in student research participation, inspire students, educators, and fellow directors; navigate challenges with resilience and vision; and elevate the standard of science fairs within their region and beyond.
“Dani Wright is a dynamic and dedicated leader whose work embodies the spirit of the SFDI Excellence in Science Fair Leadership Award. As Chief Programs Officer and Science Fair Director for the Southern Arizona Research, Science & Engineering Foundation, she demonstrates a deep passion for STEM education and a steadfast commitment to creating exceptional opportunities for students to engage in authentic research.” – Alexa Groff, Vice President of SFDI and Emily Meyer, President of SFDI
The SFDI mission is to empower science fair directors by providing comprehensive knowledge, essential tools and effective strategies to orchestrate transformative and impactful science and engineering fairs, and by fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation among participating students. Dani Wright will be attending the 2026 SFDI conference, representing the hard work and dedication of SARSEF at the forefront of science fairs in the nation.
“I was so surprised and grateful for this recognition. I have loved collaborating with other STEM education leaders and educators at the state and national level to expand quality, expansive inquiry-led programming in our respective locales!” – Dani Wright, SARSEF Chief Programs Officer
Each year, SARSEF sends top award winning students and their projects to compete at the international level.
Ten students, representing nine projects, will be traveling to Phoenix, AZ in May to compete for approximately $9,000,000 in prize money and scholarships at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Meet this year’s cohort of bright young individuals who are challenging the boundaries of knowledge through science and engineering.
Andrew Wu
Describe your research in two words: Superconductor Finding
Andrew Wu, a junior at BASIS Tucson North, will be competing at ISEF for the first time. His project aimed to produce a Type II superconductor through altering the crystalline structure of Tantalum Chromium Phosphorus (TaCrP) with Zirconium (Zr) atoms, which has never been done before.
What inspired your research project? Watching F1 last year, I saw how unique and exciting the field of material science was, especially when looking at how brakes were cooled using special phase change materials. This inspired me to apply for a research position in a condensed matter physics lab, where I chose superconductivity as a topic because of its exciting possibility of lossless energy transmission, and creating a more efficient, safer world.
Who is a scientist or engineer that you look up to and why? For me, I look up to Adrian Newey, who is an innovative engineer and designer within Formula 1, and was the mind behind some of the most successful cars in motorsport history. His book on design, especially within materials and aerodynamics were a huge reason that I wanted to go into engineering. He also inspires me to try new things and simply be creative.
Alba Sampson
Describe your research in two words: Antimicrobial Lipstick
Alba Sampson is a senior at Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma. She will be competing for the first time at ISEF. Sampson’s project analyzed traditional Mexican plant extracts, including Epazote, Guayaba, and Jamaica, incorporated with cochineal pigment to develop a natural antimicrobial lipstick that reduces contamination while preserving cosmetic quality.
How does it feel to be an ISEF Finalist? I never thought I would be going to ISEF this is my second year of doing research and to accomplish something so big so soon was super shocking to me. My hard work paid off though and now I’m going to ISEF.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in science and engineering? I would say “go for it” because you only live once and it’s such a wonder experience and you find family in those who research with you.
Julie Rodriguez
Describe your research in two words: Autonomous Engineering
Julie Rodriguez is a senior at Andrada Polytechnic High School, and this will be her second time competing at ISEF. Rodriguez’s engineering project focused on creating a an efficient automated mushroom growing system in which the necessary conditions for growth will be monitored and controlled with a small computer and a mobile app.
What inspired your research project? I had taken an interest in growing pink oyster mushrooms at home with my dad because we like gardening and growing things. We talked about how oyster mushrooms thrive under specific conditions of temperature and humidity. I have enjoyed engineering autonomous systems for previous projects, so I was inspired to research ideas for how to automate a device that would control an ideal mushroom growing environment. I used my prior knowledge of microcontrollers and programming to build my prototype. I researched the ideal conditions and procedures for growing edible mushrooms that I like to eat.
What are some of your future plans? I have accepted admission to the University of Arizona Franke Honors College and College of Engineering, and would like to study Biomedical Engineering
Finnegan McGill
Describe your research in two words: Cancer Metastasis
Finnegan McGill will be competing for the second time at ISEF this year. He is a senior at Tanque Verde High School. McGill’s project investigates whether mTORC2–PKC, a signaling complex that regulates cell movement, activates under specific timing patterns with different chemoattractants. Understanding how signal timing may contribute to distinguishing extracellular cues may inform broader efforts to regulate cell migration in physiological processes such as wound healing and immune responses, as well as in pathological contexts including cancer metastasis.
What inspired your research? My grandfather has Parkinson’s disease, but not the version people usually picture. His hands don’t shake. Instead, his balance is off, and sometimes his words take longer to come out. These changes are small but constant. If you didn’t know him well, you might not notice them. If you love him, you see every one. Watching these quiet changes made me ask questions I couldn’t let go of: What is happening inside his cells? How can something so small shift a whole life? Through my coursework and research at the University of Arizona, I have come to see how molecular biology connects directly to human experience. During my KEYS internship, every image of a moving cell stopped feeling abstract once I realized it represented a real person waiting for answers. Research became personal, not just interesting.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in science and engineering? Don’t wait until you’re ready to start! Find something that seems interesting to you and go for it. There will be a lot of setbacks and challenges on the way, but that’s research and science! The way you handle yourself in the tough times and the way you persevere will be who you are as a scientist!
Roberto “Bobby” Briones & Karina Kodama
Describe your research in two words: Antimicrobial Alloys
Bobby Briones and Karina Kodama, who completed a project as a team, will be competing at ISEF for the first time. They are both from Empire High School. Briones and Kodama’s studied eight cast Cu-Zn-Al-Sn alloys in the copper-rich corner of a pseudo-ternary system. The goal was to engineer a tunable platform by correlating microstructure to electrochemical corrosion behavior and validating its antimicrobial efficacy.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in science and engineering? You don’t have to wait until the school gives you the tools to do science. The internet offers so many resources for knowledge and materials to do so much at home.
Jorge Covarrubias
Describe your research in two words: Cactus Bandage
Jorge Covarrubias, a senior at Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma, will be competing at ISEF for the second time. Covarrubias’s project is about acteria that can lead to Saguaro Cactus death. Covarrubias created a biodegradable bandage that can be applied to the cactus to mitigate rotting tissue from spreading through the cactus.
What inspired your research project: I went to an ecology trip with my friends who were collecting data for their study. After that day, I developed a passion for ecology and wanted to do a research relating to it. After rediscovering the amazing species of Saguaro cactus, I wanted to find a way to protect and further understand bacterial necrosis, a disease that inflicts them.
How does it feel to be an ISEF Finalist? It feels amazing to be selected as a finalist. I’ve mostly been excited to be able to share my research at this stage as well as build friendships with my peers.
Aleena Rafiyath
Describe your research in two words: Intricate and Novel
Aleena Rafiyath, a senior at BASIS Oro Valley, will be competing at ISEF for the first time. Rafiyath’s project aims to repurpose 4-AP (a US FDA approved drug for multiple sclerosis) to treat severe, or full-thickness skin burns in mice.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in science and engineering? It may sound cliché, but don’t give up. That means when cold emails get rejected, you remain persistent to find your lab matching your nice interest, and when understanding gets tough you don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Who is a scientist or engineer that you look up to and why? Although a while ago, I look up to the efforts of Rosalind Franklin not only because of her nature as a pioneering scientist who contributed to biology and the understanding of DNA with a breakthrough, but also because of her story representing women in STEM and the obstacles.
Yessica Perez-Garcia
Describe your research in two words: Pesticide alternative
Yessica Perez-Garcia is a junior at Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma. This will be her first time competing at ISEF. Her project investigates alternatives to pesticides in the form of β-cyclodextrin (a carbohydrate) and cellulose fiber. Perez-Garcia aims to find a eco-friendly alternative to pesticides.
Henry Root is a senior at University High School, and will be competing at ISEF for the first time. His project investigated PFAS removal and destruction via microwave pyrolysis. This research has potential impacts to create water filters that can better clean PFAS, a forever chemical that can be hard to remove and dispose of.
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF), a program of Society for Science celebrating 75+ years, is the world’s largest global science competition for high school students. Through a global network of local, regional and national science fairs, millions of students are encouraged to explore their passion for scientific inquiry. Each spring, a group of these students is selected as finalists and offered the opportunity to compete for approximately U.S. $9 million in awards and scholarships.
Congratulations to all of our SARSEF Winners! This list contains students and teachers who have won awards at the 2026 SARSEF Fair listed alphabetically by school name.
Comments are now live on the virtual fair exhibit hall. Find your project and see all of the encouragement and feedback that judges and community members left for you!
For those who were unable to attend the awards ceremony, unclaimed awards will be delivered to schools in the coming weeks.
Please note: the Winner’s List is best viewable on a laptop or desktop computer.
Winner’s List (listed by school A-Z)
Note: Award names will not be published until Tuesday, March 10th.
You can search for a specific name using the search icon on the top right corner of the list interface.
Educator Awards
Susan Herman – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Daniel Dong – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Alexandria Vaughn – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Madhavi Rachakonda – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Maricel Magno – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Vicki Peterson – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Katerina Sacoman – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Sarah Subotic – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Noraline Austria – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Alphonso De Los Reyes – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Love Benavidez – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Jessica Sobel – Education Advocate Award of Science and Engineering
Melody Love Abad – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Lee Ann Howell – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Tamara Westberg – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Nova Kline – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Abraham Delos Reyes – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Joshua DeWeerd – SARSEF Champion Educator of Science and Engineering
Elaine MacKenzie – SARSEF-Endorsed Teacher Award
Francisco Vasquez – SARSEF-Endorsed Teacher Award
Lindsay Wong – SARSEF-Endorsed Teacher Award
Vanessa Schiess – Innovation in Engagement Award
Top School Awards
Emily Meschter Early Learning Center – Top Preschool Award
Rahmah Academy – Top Elementary School Award, AVNET Innovative Elementary School Award
Harvest Preparatory Academy – Top Middle School Award, AVNET Innovative Middle School Award
Harvest Preparatory Academy – Top High School Award, AVNET Innovative High School Award
Pen Macias, or maybe you know her as The Desert Pen, has been a muralist in the Tucson community since 2020. Pen’s murals bring vibrancy and local meaning to Tucson, and now to SARSEF!
Each year, we ask a local artist to design a t-shirt for our annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This year, Pen created the “Science is Magic in Real Life” design, which will be available on t-shirts, stickers, and posters for fair participants to purchase at the Awards Ceremony and Community STEM Expo on March 7th, 2026.
Pen has been an artist her whole life, and describes her style as “colorful, whimsical, and local.” When asked about what inspired her for this year’s fair design, Pen responded that through her kids, she has become interested in science, and sees science as real-life magic.
“I began to view science as a form of magic. In the Harry Potter series, the students go to a whole school dedicated to magic. Here, science is the magic that we get to study,” Pen Macias says.
Pen and her family have been involved with SARSEF for several years. Wyatt, Pen’s son, did a project when he was seven years old on how food breaks down in compost vs. a landfill setting. Pen recalled that, at the time, Wyatt did not enjoy school but was always curious and loved to explore. She mentioned that a teacher of Wyatt’s at the time recommended that he participate in the SARSEF Fair.
“SARSEF allowed Wyatt to be curious, creative, and engaged. The adults cared about what Wyatt cared about,” said Pen.
Wyatt is now on the robotics team at his school and wants to be an engineer. When he was seven, he did a video for Arizona Illustrated about science and his project with SARSEF. It’s a step back in time to what the Regional Science and Engineering Fair was like before covid.
SARSEF is incredibly grateful to Pen and her family for being involved with us for several years, and we are excited to share Pen’s design with you! To see more of Pen’s work, visit her website or giver her a follow on Instragram.
Get ready for fair week! Consider this your go-to guide with everything you need to know to participate in the 2026 SARSEF Science and Engineering Fair.
As a reminder, registration is now closed for incoming projects.
This year we have a new opportunity! Introducing the 2026 SARSEF Science and Engineering Fair Goosechase! All throughout Fair Week, we will have unique missions that participants can engage in that relates to the SARSEF Fair. When you complete a mission, you will receive points. Compete with other fair participants to win some prizes! Participation is free and voluntary (although you will have to download the Goosechase app on a mobile device). Join us and view how others are participating! We will be giving away prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants in the Goosechase!
Please note: if you decide to participate in the Goosechase, you will need to consent to our media release agreement before participation. You will be prompted to agree/disagree when launching the 2026 Fair Goosechase.
February 23rd – 25th: Display and Safety Checks
All projects will undergo Display and Safety checks to ensure compliance with Fair rules. Registrants, students, and parents will be emailed information on how to review project submissions and submit any corrections that are necessary.
Registrants that have an account may submit corrections via their account.
Parents, caregivers, teachers, and those who registered as a guest will be given an opportunity to make corrections through our public portal.
An email notification will go out when the public portal opens for edits. Corrections for project info and files will be permitted until Wednesday, February 25th at 10:00pm.
February 28th: Virtual Exhibit Hall Goes Live
The virtual exhibit hall will go live Saturday, February 28th, at 12:00p. You can begin browsing student projects that advanced to the Regional Fair this year! Judges will begin reviewing projects in preparation for judging and interview days.
March 3rd: High School (9 – 12) Interview Day and Open House
High School judging and interviews will take place in-person at the University of Arizona Student Union Grand Ballroom from 8:00am-3:30pm. Interviews are required at this level and students should plan to attend the entire day. The day will include interviews with judges as well as category networking sessions similar to those held at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Students will have the opportunity to connect with other students in their category as well as STEM professionals in a related discipline.
March 4th: Elementary and Middle School (PreK – 8) Judging and Interviews
Judging will take place online and over Zoom on Wednesday, March 4th, from 8:30 AM – 11:15 AM (judges only). Then, Elementary and Middle School students will have an opportunity to be interviewed by judges over Zoom on March 4th from 11:30 AM- 4:00 PM. Students must have an adult nearby in order to be interviewed. Interviews at this level are not required and do not factor into grand judging. They are for experience only for young researchers to talk about their science!
Award winners lists will be posted on Friday, March 6th at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org. These lists will just signify to teachers, students, families, and schools that an award has been won, but will not specify the name of the award. Students, teachers, and families should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony and Community STEM Expo that corresponds with their grade level to reveal what they’ve won!
March 7th: Awards Ceremony and Community STEM Expo
Regardless of whether a project won or not, everyone should plan on attending the combination Community STEM Expo and Awards Ceremonies at Reid Park from 10:00am-3:30pm on Saturday! All Southern Arizona families are invited as there should be something for everyone. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and sun protection for awards ceremony seating, and enjoy the exhibitors, entertainment, and food trucks!
What You Can Expect
Hands-on STEM activities from exhibitors from 11:00am-1:30pm
The SARSEF Innovators Hall, where attendees can explore student projects from the 2026 Fair
SARSEF Science Mart for all of your STEM swag needs
Onstage live entertainment
Sweet and savory Food Trucks from 11:00am-1:30pm
Plenty of room for outdoor seating on the grass in front of the amphitheater (bring your own blankets, chairs, and umbrellas for shade)
11:00AM-1:30PM STEM exhibitor booths and Food Trucks open!
1:30PM – 3:30PM Middle and High School (Grades 6-12) Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremonies will not be live-streamed. Please plan to attend in-person! If you are unable to do so, unclaimed awards will be delivered to schools in the coming weeks. Full Award list with awards details will be posted on Tuesday, March 10th at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org
It takes around 500 volunteers to make the SARSEF Regional Fair happen! We still have slots open for nearly every background, schedule, and ability. Please share these opportunities with those who can join us to make this exciting Tucson tradition a success in 2026!
