The SARSEF Regional Fair is upon us once again! Registration is now closed for this event, and there are 1,500 student projects waiting in the wings to premiere at the virtual exhibit hall on Saturday, March 4th! Consider this you go-to guide of what to expect for Fair Week 2023.
February 26- March 3– Display and Safety Checks
All projects will undergo Display and Safety checks to ensure compliance with Fair rules. Registrants will be emailed information on how to review project submissions and submit any changes that are necessary. Registrants that have an account may submit changes via their account. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and those who registered as a guest will be given an opportunity to make edits through our public portal. An email notification will go out when the public portal opens for edits.
March 4 – Virtual Exhibit Hall Goes Live
The virtual exhibit hall will go live Saturday, March 4th, at 12:00p. You can begin browsing the over 1,500 student projects that advanced to the Regional Fair this year! Judges will begin reviewing projects in preparation for judging and interview days.
Monday and Tuesday, March 6-7 – Elementary and Middle School (PreK-8) Judging and Interviews
Judging will take place online and over Zoom on Monday, March 6, from 1:00p-4:00p. Then, Elementary and Middle School students will have an opportunity to be interviewed by judges over Zoom on March 6 from 4:00pm-6:00pm or March 7 from 9:00am-11:00am. Students must have an adult nearby in order to be interviewed. Interviews at this level are not required and do not factor into judging. They are for experience only for young researchers to talk about their science!
Wednesday, March 8 – High School (9-12) Judging and Interviews
High School judging and interviews will take place in-person at the University of Arizona Student Union Grand Ballroom from 9:00am-3:00pm. 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.
Friday, March 10 – Winners List Posted
Award winners lists will be posted on Friday, March 10 at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org. These lists will just signify to teachers, students, and schools that an award has been won, but will not specify the name of the award. Students and teachers should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony that corresponds with their grade level to reveal what they’ve won!
Saturday, March 11 – Community STEM Expo and Awards Ceremonies
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-3:00pm on Saturday! All Southern Arizona families are invited as there should be something for everyone. Bring your own blankets and chairs for awards ceremony seating, and enjoy the exhibitors, entertainment, and food trucks!
What You Can Expect
- Dozens of hands-on STEM activities from exhibitors from 11:00am-3:00pm
- The SARSEF Innovators Hall, where attendees can explore student projects from the 2023 Fair
- SARSEF Science Mart for all of your STEM swag needs
- Innovators Hall where any student that has done research this year, teacher, or Fair judge can claim a gift
- Scavenger Hunt for families to explore the exhibitors and claim a prize upon completion
- Onstage live entertainment
- Sweet and savory Food Trucks from 11:00am-3:00pm
- Plenty of room for outdoor seating on the grass in front of the amphitheater (bring your own blankets, chairs, and umbrellas for shade)
Schedule
- 11:00am-3:00p STEM exhibitor booths and Food Trucks open!
- 10:00a Elementary (Grades PreK-5) Awards Ceremony
- 1:00p-2:30p Live Performances
- 3:00p 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 14 at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org
Volunteers still needed!
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 2023!
Enjoy Fair Week and congratulations to all of our young scientists and engineers!