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Information Category Judge Resources Dear Judges, Judging for the 2026 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair will take place in person at the Balboa Park Activity Center on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. You can support the Fair and the students by volunteering as a judge. After judging registration opens in January 2026 , to register as a judge please click here to access zFairs. Tutorial videos will be provided to help you navigate through zFairs, where you will be able to view virtual previews of student projects. With your help as a judge, we will make the 2026 GSDSEF as successful as all the previous 71 Fairs! For 2026 we will continue with these categories and descriptions which were introduced in 2022. Each category name below is hyperlinked to a category-specific judging guide, for you to view or download. You can also view the Project Categories page f or descriptions of each category. Animal Sciences Behavioral and Social Sciences Biochemistry Biomedical Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Cellular and Molecular Biology Chemistry Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Computer Science and Systems Software Earth and Environmental Sciences Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics Engineering: Energy, Materials, and Transport Mathematics Microbiology Physics and Astronomy Plant Sciences Product Testing View or download additional judging resources below: GSDSEF Standards for Judging a Science Fair Project 20 Questions You Might Ask Comparing Projects Elements of a Science Fair Project Reward the Best Encourage the Rest Judges Rubric Vickie Driver Judging Coordinator For more information, please contact: judging@gsdsef.org

Latest News The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair Jun 6, 2025 The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest and most prestigious science competition, concluded with the Grand Awards ceremony in host city Columbus, Ohio. Read More The 71st Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair Jan 26, 2025 The 71st Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair Was Held in 2025 At The Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd, On Wednesday, March 12. Read More

Past Results Fair Past Results 2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Results 2024 - 70th Annual GSDSEF Results 2023 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair 2022 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair

Information GSDSEF / ISEF Rules and Regulations 2025/2026 WHO MAY ENTER the GSDSEF Any 6th through 12th grade student attending a public, private, parochial or home school in San Diego or Imperial Counties may enter a project in a local school science fair. Top projects from each school then move through the online 1) SRC Review Process, where projects are reviewed for safety, 2) Screening, where projects are reviewed for quality, and 3) Application, where students apply to attend the GSDSEF. DIVISIONS Junior -- grades 6 through 8 (either individual or 2-person team projects may be entered) Senior -- grades 9 through 12 (either individual or 2-person team projects may be entered) All students who develop a project for the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair must read and comply with all Rules and Regulations in this document. Parents, teachers and adult supervisors must also read and understand the rules and regulations. Following are the ETHICS STATEMENT, the ISEF RULES and ADDITIONAL GSDSEF RULES. ETHICS STATEMENT FOR GSDSEF PARTICIPATION The GSDSEF follows the Ethics Statement of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Student researchers, as well as adults who have a role in their projects , are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. These include, but are not limited to: Integrity. Honesty, objectivity, and avoidance of conflicts of interest are expected at every stage of the research. The project should reflect independent research done by the student(s), and represent only one year’s work. Legality. Compliance with all federal, country, state, and local law is essential. All projects must be approved by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC), and when necessary must also be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Respect for Confidentiality and Intellectual Property. Confidential communications, as well as patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property must be honored. Unpublished data, methods, or results may not be used without permission, and credit must be given to all contributions of research. Stewardship of the Environment. It is the responsibility of the researcher(s) and the adults involved to protect the environment and its organisms from harm. All projects involve some amount of risk. Everyone is expected to recognize the hazards, assess the risks, minimize them, and prepare for emergencies. Animal Care. Proper care and respect must be given to vertebrate animals. The guiding principles for the use of animals in research includes the following “Four R’s”: Replace, Reduce, Refine, Respect. Human Participant Protection. The highest priority is the health and well-being of the student researcher(s) and human participants. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBAs ). It is the responsibility of the students and adults involved in the project to conduct and document a risk assessment, and to safely handle and dispose of organisms and materials. Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, use or representation of other researcher’s work as one’s own and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs and ISEF. Society for Science and the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of a project subsequently found to be fraudulent. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS BY ISEF These requirements are not limited to the following list. For COMPLETE requirements, please refer to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines. All students must adhere to local, state, and US Federal laws, regulations and permitting conditions. Note: The GSDSEF may have additional restrictions or requirements compared to ISEF. All projects must adhere to the GSDSEF rules, guidelines, and requirements in order to qualify for ISEF. It is the responsibility of the student and the Adult Sponsor/Teacher/Advisor to evaluate the study to determine if the research will require forms and/or review and approval PRIOR to experimentation . As necessary, SRC, IRB, IACUC, IBC approvals must be received and documented before experimentation begins. The use of non-animal research methods and alternatives to animal research are strongly encouraged and must be explored before conducting a vertebrate animal project. Introduction or disposal of non-native, genetically-altered, and/or invasive species (e.g. insects, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates), pathogens, toxic chemicals or foreign substances into the environment is prohibited. Please reference local, state, and national regulations. All students must follow the Ethics Statement and ISEF Rules and Guidelines in order to compete at the affiliated fair (GSDSEF), California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Projects may include no more than 12 months of contiguous research and may not include research in the prior year. For example, for the 2026 ISEF competition, research cannot be from before January of 2025. A research project may be a part of a larger study performed by professional scientists, but the project presented by the student must only be only their own portion of the complete study. GSDSEF PROJECT SAFETY RULES AND GUIDELINES--in Addition to ISEF The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) adheres to and complies with the Safety Rules and Guidelines of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Refer to for questions regarding general safety and specifically Vertebrate Animals, Research Involving Humans, Biohazards, and other Hazards. Research involving Vertebrate Animals and Humans have additional rules, regulations, and guidelines which must be complied with. See information in the ISEF Rules and Guidelines which can be found at https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/2026/Rules/Book.pdf In addition to ISEF Rules and Guidelines, the GSDSEF: prohibits projects involving tobacco; tobacco products; smokeless powder; black powder; explosives; the manufacture of rocket fuel and/or alcohol/other intoxicants or gasohol (or the production of these). reserves the right to decline any project it deems unsafe. Any project requiring anything to be burned requires a Hazards Form. PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS MAY NOT LOAD OR RELOAD ANY AMMUNITION. For questions about this GSDSEF Rule, please contact Steve Rodecker, steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org

Teachers SRC Review and Quality Screening What is SRC Review? During the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) review, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if safe scientific and engineering practices have been followed. This process occurs BEFORE you start your project and you must have approval from the SRC BEFORE you start your project. What is Quality Screening? During quality screening, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if correct scientific and engineering practices have been followed. Quality Screening approval is required AFTER the project is done. For SRC Review: 1. Log into student account. 2. Students then click on DASHBOARD in upper left hand column then click on CREATE PROJECT which is on the right side. 3. Fill in all details about their project (title, materials, procedure, etc.) in TAB 1 and TAB 2 . Teacher and student should review the procedure to check for ISEF forms needed. Information can be found at FORMS HELPER (TAB 3 on student account) Attach any ISEF forms that are needed in TAB 4. 5. DIGITAL Signature Procedure-- TAB 5 a) Student fills in and signs form digitally. b) Parent fills in and signs form digitally. c) Student sends the form to the teacher to be signed digitally. d) The teacher/advisor will receive an email notifying him/her that there are projects to review and sign. Once the teacher/advisor signs digitally, the project will be automatically sent for SRC review. The project will be reviewed by the GSDSEF SRC and the student will receive an email with approval or a request for forms/modifications before approval is given to start. ALL Students--Do not start with your project until you have received SRC approval. Depending on the project, you will get approved, be asked to make modifications, or be asked to provide further forms. If you have questions whether your proposed project is acceptable or to clarify any safety concerns, please contact Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org For Quality Screening: To properly submit projects for screening, students must Go to gsdsef.org and log in to their account. Go to the My Project link on the left side of the screen. Click on to the Tab 6 Digital Presentation Upload On the top of Tab 6 will be the Digital Presentation Template if you have not already downloaded it and used it. When completed and saved as a pdf file , upload your Digital Presentation in Tab 6. After uploading your Digital Presentation, click SUBMIT TO QUALITY SCREENING The project will then be screened. The student will receive an email as to the status of the project. Helpful Tools: 2026 Digital presentation template(2) .pptx Download PPTX • 95KB Digital Presentation Example .pdf Download PDF • 682KB What_screeners_are_looking_for_in_a_gsdsef_project_2 .pdf Download PDF • 70KB Results of Quality Screening: There are three possible outcomes from the screening process. Students and teachers will hear back directly about the results, which typically takes about a week. Approved/Recommended Based on the quality of the science, engineering, or coding, the project merits participation in the GSDSEF. Students will then go to TAB 7 Abstract and follow the directions for uploading the abstract. Not Approved / Not Recommended Based on the factors listed below, the project has been NOT Recommended to participate in the GSDSEF. Students will not be able to apply to this year's GSDSEF. project is demonstration of principle or a report project has too many inadequacies- Please see "What Screeners are Looking for" above. project violates GSDSEF rules Resubmit with Modifications The overall quality of the project is good, but in order to be acceptable, modifications required by the Screener must be carried out and sent back to be re-screened by the deadline. The original screener then decides whether the project will be Approved/Recommended or NOT Recommended. The student will receive an email listing the changes that need to be made. Project is resubmitted. If accepted, you will apply to the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair: Once you are accepted and have uploaded your Abstract (TAB 7), you will then proceed to TAB 8 for the Review and Payment. Fee Payment must be submitted and received by the Fair deadline in order to complete the entire process. The student will receive an email when the whole process is completed and paid. 1) All individual payments must be done with a credit card. 2) School PO's-- If a school or school district is paying for the students to participate in the GSDSEF, the teacher or school official must contact the GSDSEF Fair Director to approve the PO and receive a code for students to complete the payment process. 3) If an individual is unable to pay via electronic methods, please contact Steve Rodecker at steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org within 3 days of receiving notification of being recommended to the GSDSEF for alternative payment method directions. NOTE: If you are a team project, each member submits his/her own separate application and fee payment. Please follow all deadlines! Students who submit their application and fees after the application deadline will not be entered in the Student Exhibitor Directory and Information. The GSDSEF Application fee is $ 50 PER STUDENT.

Information Judges Info The Fair has three sets of judges: The Category judges These judges decide the Fair's own placements (first through third) in each of the 16 categories. Category (Morning) Judging will take place on Wednesday, March 18th , 2026 from 7:30AM –12:00PM. Grand Awards Judges These judges decide on the Fair's top awards in Life and Physical Sciences. Grand Awards Judging will take place on Wednesday afternoon, March 18th , 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Special Awards (Registered Professional Societies) These judges choose among the participants based on specific criteria. Judging Timeline For 2026. Professional Society/Special Awards Judging will take place during the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18th , 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Judging Descriptions Category Judging The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair is an exciting and important San Diego community event that relies entirely on the generosity of our community's volunteers. The Fair will usually have about 325 science projects on display along with the 350 plus 6th-12th graders who produced them. Being a judge is actually a lot more fun than it sounds. It mostly requires listening to enthusiastic young kids tell you what they did. For anyone new to judging, there is a great deal of advice regarding how to judge kinds of questions to ask (see judging resources page). Also, judging is done in teams, so there are typically experienced judges to assist someone new, should that need arise. Most of the projects are done by 7th and 8th graders, so you don’t need to be a PhD (although we do appreciate having PhD’s on our judging teams). You do need a background in science, math, computers or engineering and a good knowledge of the scientific method. Click here to learn more about Category Judging Grand Award (Formerly Sweepstakes) Judging These are the very best projects in the Fair. Projects recommended for Grand Award consideration are reviewed by teams of our most experienced judges during the afternoon judging session (7 or more years of experience are required). Four Grand Award and four Runners-up are selected in both Junior (7th - 8th grade) and Senior (9th -12th grade) Division. Special Awards/Professional Society Judging Over 40 Professional Societies and other organizations present awards at the GSDSEF. Each provides its own judges and sets its own criteria for awards. In order to participate, one person for the Professional Society must agree to act as a point of contact for the GSDSEF. This person is responsible for recruiting judges for that Professional Society, and reporting their selected winners to the GSDSEF. Awards may be then left with the GSDSEF for distribution directly to students, or the Professional Society may arrange another method to present their awards. Click here to learn more about Special Awards/Professional Society Judging

Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Management Committee Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Sany Zakharia, GSDSEF Treasurer/Fundraiser Officers *Board Members Emeritus* Phil Gay Wendy Gay Student Leadership Board Management Committee Member Arnav Dagar, SLB President Board of Directors Meeting Dates TBD Liaisons Mrs. Shirley Miranda, San Diego City Schools, Liaison to the California Science and Engineering Fair Mr. John Spiegel, San Diego County Office of Education Liaison The Management Committee is a group of volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair.

History of the Greater San Diego Science Fair (an excerpt of a "Report on the Greater San Diego Science Fair" written by Paul A. Terry, Executive Director, Greater San Diego Science Fair, 1962) A group of San Diego scientists and educators met in the spring of 1954 to discuss the possibility of having a Science Fair in San Diego. Representatives of The San Diego Union shared the enthusiasm of this group for the benefits of such a fair. The purpose of the Fair is to encourage the scientific and technical interests of young people. The Fair stimulates students to actively apply their scientific talents. Community recognition and the opportunity for exposure to scientists and scientific installations are provided in order to encourage talented youths to enter scientific careers. The San Diego Union agreed to act as a sponsor and to provide for sending of the two sweepstakes winners to the National Science Fair each year. Incident to sponsorship of the Fair, The San Diego Union entered into a promotional agreement with the National Science Fair, Washington, D.C. Accordingly, the Greater San Diego Science Fair affiliated with the National Science Fair of Science Service. The affiliating agreement provided for an executive secretary and general chairman, and the basic administration of the Fair. The first Greater San Diego Science Fair was held in 1955 at the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences on Harbor Boulevard. Space considerations limited the Fair to 53 exhibits, which were selected from a total of 100 science projects. The possibility of entering an exhibit in the Fair was, as it is now, extended to any student in grades 7 through 12 in a public, private or parochial school in San Diego County. Entrants from grades 7 through 9 compose the junior division, and entrants from grades 10 through 12 compose the senior division. By 1956, interest in the Fair had grown to such proportions that it was decided to move the Fair to the Conference Building at Balboa Park. That year 194 projects were selected from some 750 projects viewed at 15 local and school fairs. Ten industrial, educational and military facilities offered guided tours and briefings to the students... These tours and briefings contribute to the concrete knowledge of the student, as well as providing him with an opportunity to meet scientists at work... In 1957, the Science Fair was again held in the Conference Building. The Fair had grown to 238 exhibits, which were selected from 1,200 projects... The 1959 Fair had grown to 250 exhibits, which created such a parking problem near the Conference Building that the Fair was moved in 1960 to the Federal Building in Balboa Park, where it has remained." By 1961, the Greater San Diego Science "Fair was not only as large as the National Science Fair, but of comparable quality... The boy and girl sweepstakes winners placed first and fourth at the National Science Fair-International held that year in Kansas City... Also in 1961, professional societies provided awards and "the Screening Committee was now becoming active." 324 entrants "were selected from approximately 3,000 exhibits screened at many local and school fairs." Inspirational…motivational…transformative… For over 60 years, the GSDSEF has been encouraging young minds in their pursuits that will define the next generation of scientific thought, discovery, and innovation. Pres.Obama speaks with Eric Chen about his project on influenza treatments 2014 (photo: Reuters - 27 May,'14) Robert Gonset, 14 designs a lie detector for the 1961 GSDSEF (SDUT)

The purpose of the following template is to assist you in writing your accessibility statement. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your site's statement meets the requirements of the local law in your area or region. *Note: This page currently has several sections. Once you complete editing the Accessibility Statement below, you need to delete this section. To learn more about this, check out our article “ Accessibility: Adding an Accessibility Statement to Your Site ”. Accessibility Statement This statement was last updated on [enter relevant date] . We at [enter organization / business name] are working to make our site [enter site name and address] accessible to people with disabilities. WHAT WEB ACCESSIBILITY IS An accessible site allows visitors with disabilities to browse the site with the same or a similar level of ease and enjoyment as other visitors. This can be achieved with the capabilities of the system on which the site is operating, and through assistive technologies. ACCESSIBILITY ADJUSTMENTS ON THIS SITE We have adapted this site in accordance with WCAG [2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 - select relevant option] guidelines, and have made the site accessible to the level of [A / AA / AAA - select relevant option] . This site's contents have been adapted to work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard use. As part of this effort, we have also [remove irrelevant information] : Used the Accessibility Wizard to find and fix potential accessibility issues Set the language of the site Set the content order of the site’s pages Defined clear heading structures on all of the site’s pages Added alternative text to images Implemented color combinations that meet the required color contrast Reduced the use of motion on the site Ensured all videos, audio, and files on the site are accessible DECLARATION OF PARTIAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD DUE TO THIRD-PARTY CONTENT [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] The accessibility of certain pages on the site depend on contents that do not belong to the organization, and instead belong to [enter relevant third-party name] . The following pages are affected by this: [list the URLs of the pages] . We therefore declare partial compliance with the standard for these pages. ACCESSIBILITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE ORGANIZATION [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] [Enter a description of the accessibility arrangements in the physical offices / branches of your site's organization or business. The description can include all current accessibility arrangements - starting from the beginning of the service (e.g., the parking lot and / or public transportation stations) to the end (such as the service desk, restaurant table, classroom etc.). It is also required to specify any additional accessibility arrangements, such as disabled services and their location, and accessibility accessories (e.g. in audio inductions and elevators) available for use] REQUESTS, ISSUES, AND SUGGESTIONS If you find an accessibility issue on the site, or if you require further assistance, you are welcome to contact us through the organization's accessibility coordinator: [Name of the accessibility coordinator] [Telephone number of the accessibility coordinator] [Email address of the accessibility coordinator] [Enter any additional contact details if relevant / available]

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History of the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (an excerpt of a "Report on the Greater San Diego Science Fair" written by Paul A. Terry, Executive Director, Greater San Diego Science Fair, 1962) A group of San Diego scientists and educators met in the spring of 1954 to discuss the possibility of having a Science Fair in San Diego. Representatives of The San Diego Union shared the enthusiasm of this group for the benefits of such a fair. The purpose of the Fair is to encourage the scientific and technical interests of young people. The Fair stimulates students to actively apply their scientific talents. Community recognition and the opportunity for exposure to scientists and scientific installations are provided in order to encourage talented youths to enter scientific careers. The San Diego Union agreed to act as a sponsor and to provide for sending of the two sweepstakes winners to the National Science Fair each year. Incident to sponsorship of the Fair, The San Diego Union entered into a promotional agreement with the National Science Fair, Washington, D.C. Accordingly, the Greater San Diego Science Fair affiliated with the National Science Fair of Science Service. The affiliating agreement provided for an executive secretary and general chairman, and the basic administration of the Fair. The first Greater San Diego Science Fair was held in 1955 at the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences on Harbor Boulevard. Space considerations limited the Fair to 53 exhibits, which were selected from a total of 100 science projects. The possibility of entering an exhibit in the Fair was, as it is now, extended to any student in grades 7 through 12 in a public, private or parochial school in San Diego County. Entrants from grades 7 through 9 compose the junior division, and entrants from grades 10 through 12 compose the senior division. Explore Learn More The San Diego Union agreed to act as a sponsor and to provide for sending of the two sweepstakes winners to the National Science Fair each year. Incident to sponsorship of the Fair, The San Diego Union entered into a promotional agreement with the National Science Fair, Washington, D.C. Accordingly, the Greater San Diego Science Fair affiliated with the National Science Fair of Science Service. The affiliating agreement provided for an executive secretary and general chairman, and the basic administration of the Fair. Learn More Title Goes Here. By 1956, interest in the Fair had grown to such proportions that it was decided to move the Fair to the Conference Building at Balboa Park. That year 194 projects were selected from some 750 projects viewed at 15 local and school fairs. Ten industrial, educational and military facilities offered guided tours and briefings to the students... These tours and briefings contribute to the concrete knowledge of the student, as well as providing him with an opportunity to meet scientists at work... In 1957, the Science Fair was again held in the Conference Building. The Fair had grown to 238 exhibits, which were selected from 1,200 projects... The 1959 Fair had grown to 250 exhibits, which created such a parking problem near the Conference Building that the Fair was moved in 1960 to the Federal Building in Balboa Park, where it has remained." By 1961, the Greater San Diego Science "Fair was not only as large as the National Science Fair, but of comparable quality... The boy and girl sweepstakes winners placed first and fourth at the National Science Fair-International held that year in Kansas City... Also in 1961, professional societies provided awards and "the Screening Committee was now becoming active." 324 entrants "were selected from approximately 3,000 exhibits screened at many local and school fairs." Explore

Information Judging and Awards The GSDSEF has three types of judging with various awards: Categorical Judging – PLACE AWARDS Category Judges decide the GSDSEF’s award placements (first, second, third, and fourth place) in 15+1 different categories, based on scientific merit using specified criteria. Categorical judging takes place in the morning. There are 15 categories in Senior Division and Junior Division has one additional category. GSDSEF Categories and Descriptions All students are given a Certificate of Merit for participating. All students receive a Place Award ribbon on-stage at the Awards Ceremony. Grand Awards Judging – GRAND AWARDS Teams of Grand Awards Judges review projects that have been recommended by the Category Judges for Grand Awards consideration. Grand Awards judging takes place in the afternoon and Grand Awards Judges must be willing to stay until at least 3 p.m. the day of Judging. Four Grand Awards and four Grand Award Runners-up are selected in the Junior Division (6th-8th grade) and receive cash awards and a plaque/trophy. Four Grand Award Runners-Up/Alternates are selected in the Senior Division (9th -12th grade) and each receive a cash award and a plaque. Four Grand Award Winners are selected in the Senior Division. Each receives a college scholarship award, an engraved plaque, and the opportunity to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Professional Societies Judging and Professional Society SPECIAL AWARDS Over 100 Professional Societies and other organizations provide their own judges and each set their own criteria for awards. Professional Societies/Organizations judge student projects during the afternoon of judging day. 2023 GSDSEF ProfSoc Awards Criteria .pdf Download PDF • 91KB Professional Societies and organizations provide their own awards - ribbons, certificates, or plaques, and/or monetary scholarships. Awards may be left with the GSDSEF for distribution directly to students or the Professional Society may arrange another method to present their awards. Several of the Professional Societies present their awards at their own banquets or board meetings and certain organizations/companies present their Special Awards on stage at the Awards Ceremony. Professional Societies and Organizations Awards list is passed out at the Awards Ceremony and their names are listed on screen before Awards Ceremony begins. SPECIAL AWARDS given by Professional Societies are presented on-stage at the Awards Ceremony. These include the BD Awards, Fred H. Rohr Award, Ronald E. Domb Memorial Award, Mickey Award, Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) Awards, Reuben H. Fleet Awards, San Diego Zoo Global Awards, and Student Leadership Award. Other Special Awards may also be presented on stage. NOTE: Judging Team Projects In judging a team project in comparison to one done by an individual, it is fair to have a higher expectation of the team project regarding the overall level of effort involved in the project. Team projects have greater resources (the number of minds working together) and therefore a greater capacity for more research and data collection, more time, effort, and thought spent on the project, as well as more/in-depth analysis than someone acting alone. This should be evident in the project. There should also be evidence of team collaboration and synergy among team members (which should become evident during the interview process). Who are the Category and Grand Awards Judges? Category judges are scientists, engineers, computer science/technology specialists, professors, and other professionals, whether currently working, or retired. They are community members who are interested in encouraging the young people of San Diego and Imperial Counties to consider a career in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. Grand Awards judges have 7 or more years of experience in judging science fairs. Awards are announced at the Annual Awards Ceremony. ALL students receive their place awards ribbons on stage culminating with the Grand Awards Winners announcement.