Search Results

Information How to Participate: Quick Overview Quick Overview of GSDSEF Participation Steps (and suggested timeline) Detailed information can be gotten by logging into your student account and clicking on to the appropriate pages on the left hand column. What Where Completion Date 1. Read GSDSEF/ISEF Rules and Ethics Statements GSDSEF, ISEF Rules and the Ethics Statement September 2. Decide on a Project What makes a good STEM Fair project September-October 3. Teacher makes an account. THEN, Student makes an account Teacher registration page Student Registration page September 4. Fill in SRC (Scientific Review Committee) information Tab 1- Project Setup Tab 2- Project Details September-October 5. Determine whether your project needs additional safety (ISEF) Forms Tab 3- Forms Helper September-October 6. Submit Scientific/Safety Review Committee (SRC) online form and any necessary ISEF forms/approvals Tab 4- SRC Safety Form and ISEF Forms Upload (if necessary) September-November 7. Student, Parent, Teacher fill in and sign Information and Consent Tab 5- Consent and Policies September-November 8. After SRC approval, start on your project. ALL projects must go through SRC Review AND BE APPROVED BEFORE STARTING. You will receive an email indicating SRC Safety Approval. September- December 9. After completing your project -- Quality Screening with Digital Presentation. Download the Digital Presentation Template; complete and upload. Tab 6- Digital Presentation Upload. You will receive an email indicating Quality Screening Approval. January 10. After Screening Approval - Copy paste information into the Abstract. Tab 7- Abstract January-February 11. Payment - Review all previous information. Credit cards or school Purchase Orders only. Tab 8- Payment January- February 12. zFairs account set up for you. Upload your Digital Presentation and Digital Notebook for Judge’s Preview zFairs- February

Information Student Resources RESOURCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, OR MATHEMATICS PROJECT PREPARING FOR JUDGING: GSDSEF DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS .pdf Download PDF • 182KB This PDF contains information for the Size and Safety requirements, the Do's and Dont's of putting together your project display board, what is allowed and not allowed with or on your display board, and sample board layouts. helpful_hints_to_prepare_for_judging .pdf Download PDF • 97KB The following resources will also provide you with valuable information to help you decide which type of project you would like to do and how to have a successful project. Section A: Deciding on what Type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Section B: Getting Project Ideas/Designing a Unique Project Section C: Deciding Which Forms are Needed Before Starting a Project Section D: Resources on How to Design and Conduct a Science or Engineering Project Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals Section A: Deciding on what type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Look at the Student Guides to differentiate between Science Research and Non-Inquiry based Research. Some areas of research are based on the scientific method, but since engineers, inventors, and computer programmers have different objectives than those of other scientists, they follow a different process. What makes a Good STEM Research Project .pdf Download PDF • 68KB Comparing_the_scientific_method_to_the_engineering_design_method .pdf Download PDF • 680KB Engineering_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Computer_science_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 328KB Math_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 213KB VIDEO LINK: Comparing Science and Engineering Projects - GSDSEF video series Section B: Getting Project Ideas If you aren’t sure what kind of project you would like to work on, there are several sites that can help with ideas…HOWEVER… YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE PROJECT UNIQUE AND YOUR OWN! Whatever you come up with, “Google” it to make sure it is not a “been there-done that” project. Remember, even one change you make to an existing procedure/protocol makes it your own! Links to other successful project ideas...Again, these projects are NOT to be repeated or copied!!! They are to give you some ideas... General Science or Engineering: Science Buddies can help. Answer a short questionnaire about your interests and hobbies and it will use your responses to recommend ideas you will enjoy: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas Environmental Inquiry Project Ideas: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-environmental-sciences/ Geology Project Ideas: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-fair-project-ideas Math Project Ideas: https://cms.math.ca/Education/mpsf/ You can also check out the Society for Science Database to see award-winning projects at the International Science and Engineering Fair to get ideas for a project. https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/ The California State Science Fairs has abstracts from winning projects from all over the state of California. - Pick a year and then click on "Projects organized by category". Browse the categories & open what interests you. Look through the project titles that are "hot linked". Read the abstract. It may spark an idea for a new investigation that is uniquely your own. Whatever idea you come up with for your project, be sure to Google it to be sure it is unique. https://csef.usc.edu/History/ This site, UCRiverside Chemical Engineering Fun for Kids , is a springboard for ideas in Chemical Engineering. It also has fun activities you can try out. https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/chemical-engineering-fun-kids/ If you are interested in electrical projects, this site has background information, activities, and links to help you think of your own project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects/electricity-electronics This website, Best Kid Stuff: Kid’s Online Learning Tools for Science, Technology, and Beyond connects you to other sites for science fair project ideas and resources, as well as coding and programming resources for all ages: https://www.bestkidstuff.com/stem/online-learning-tools-science-tech/ Consider these questions as you come up with a project idea: Is my project unique in at least one aspect, or has it been done before exactly? Is my project an experiment/investigation or is it a demonstration of principle? Is the answer to my question already known? Will my investigation add something new to what is known about the topic? How much time will it take to conduct my research? Will I be able to meet all of the deadlines? Will it look like I did it in one day? Are my results measurable (using the metric system) or is it only based on observation? projects_to_avoid .pdf Download PDF • 60KB VIDEO LINK: Projects to Avoid - GSDSEF video series Tutorials on how to make a project your own: Tutorial_on_adapting_project_ideas .pdf Download PDF • 100KB Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project from Scientific American Section C: Deciding on What Forms Are Required You’ve decided on a project but you’re not sure if Additional ISEF Forms need to be completed before beginning. All projects requiring Additional ISEF Forms must be reviewed and approved by the GSDSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE STARTING with experimentation. Please find all the necessary ISEF forms on your student account . Your teacher/advisor can help you with the SRC pre-approval and make sure you have any necessary forms completed. If you have questions or are unsure concerning a project's acceptability, please have your teacher/advisor contact the Scientific Review Committee Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org . Note: due to geographic regions and state/local rules, GSDSEF reserves the right to prohibit projects that use dangerous items that may be considered acceptable in ISEF. Section D: Resources on Conducting a Successful Science or Engineering Project Do you need help with the scientific method or following the Engineering principles to design and work on your project? The following resources will help you with the information on working through your project. UPDATED 2020 : Use the GSDSEF Sample Student Notebook as a template to produce a quality science fair notebook. The sample notebook contains a description, directions, and example for each section. It also includes a checklist and timeline to ensure each section is completed in a timely manner. Sample Student Notebook .pdf Download PDF • 559KB Science-fair-vocabulary .pdf Download PDF • 175KB gsef-student-guide-how-to-do-a-science-fair-project .pdf Download PDF • 1.30MB Using the Scientific Method - Science Buddies Using the Engineering Method - Science Buddies How to do a Science Fair Project video series from JPL/NASA Research at Home Resources by Society for Science & the Public (ISEF) Keeping a Logbook (Janice VanCleave) How to do an Engineering Project - GSDSEF video series Projects need to use SI (International System of Units: metric measurements, ampere, kelvin, etc.) and data tables/charts and graphs need to be clearly labeled. The following resources will help you with conversions and in creating charts/tables and graphs using Excel spreadsheets: Metric Conversion Calculator Metric Conversion Calculator Convert Me: Basic, Engineering, and Computer Conversions Creating charts in excel .pdf Download PDF • 641KB Creating_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 357KB Creating_line_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 309KB Graphing Tutorial website How to Write an Abstract: How-to-write-an-abstract .pdf Download PDF • 11KB Tips_on_writing_a_project_abstract .pdf Download PDF • 73KB How to Write an Intel ISEF Abstract Writing Abstracts (from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) What are Judges Looking for in the Projects: Judging_standards .pdf Download PDF • 93KB Helpful_hints_to_prepare_for_judging .pdf Download PDF • 97KB See also Guidelines for Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Projects in Section A for specific criteria. How to Answer the 5 Most Common Questions Science Fair Judges Ask (Scientific American blog) Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Do you need information on specific topics for your project. The sites below has a library of articles that can be used for background research or just to learn more about science, math, and/or technology: (Don't forget to cite your sources in your project!) A Kid's Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Resource submitted by E. Williams and Amelia Science Resources Math Resources A Beginner's Glossary of Coding and Programming Terms plus Additional Resources Resource submitted by A. Pruitt and Avery Computer Science Resources Science News for Students Science Daily – Your source for latest research Resources from NASA US Geological Survey - Research US Geological Survey - Earthquakes for Kids Science Now Smithsonian - Science/Nature Info Please Neuroscience for Kids Activities, Games, and Resources Tinkering, Simple Electronics, Simple Machines, Engineering, and Coding Engineering Games and Activities - Includes descriptions of Engineering fields (added September 2022) Free STEM Activities and Resources for Kids Try Engineering - Learn about the different Engineering fields. This site includes resources, games, activities, lesson plans for teachers, and more Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals PUBLISH YOUR RESEARCH: The National High School Journal of Science Journal of Emerging Investigators The Journal of Experimental Secondary Science Young Scientists Journal Journal of Youth in Science (JOURNYS) Wokshops presented by the Student Leadership Board (SLB) are available to help you through the process. Sign up for one of these invaluable workshops, or if you were unable to attend, check out their powerpoint presentations.

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.

Teachers Teacher Resources The following are a few resources for teachers and parents to help their students/children produce a successful science or engineering fair project. SECTION A: Rules and Guidelines SECTION B: Certification and Special Forms SECTION C: Science Fair Resources, Instructional Resources and Materials for Teachers, and GSDSEF Workshop Materials SECTION D: Links to Online Teaching Resources and Digital Libraries * Additional resources may be found on the Student Resources page. Section A: Rules and Guidelines GSDSEF Rules and Guidelines GSDSEF Categories and Descriptions ISEF Rules & Guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 3.10MB Engineering_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Computer_science_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 328KB Math_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 213KB projects_to_avoid .pdf Download PDF • 60KB ISEF Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults ISEF - Reasons Projects Don’t Qualify for ISEF Ethics Statement Section B: Certification and Special Forms Please find all the necessary ISEF forms on your teacher account . Section C: Science Fair Resources for Teachers How Science and Engineering Fair Projects Relate to the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards: 3_dimensions_ngss_sep-science_fair .pdf Download PDF • 174KB Project Board Example and connections to NGSS .pdf Download PDF • 136KB NGSS_SE_cross_cutting_poster .pdf Download PDF • 188KB PBL-NGSS-CCSS-science_fair .pdf Download PDF • 861KB How to Do a Science Fair Project - Teaching the Scientific Method and Engineering Design: Science Buddies Teaching Resources Science Buddies - Science Fair Project Guide Science Fair - Engineering Project Guide How to Do A Science Fair Project Video Series from JPL/NASA GSDSEF WORKSHOPS and TEACHER-CREATED Instructional Resources and Materials Please go to GSDSEF YouTube page for workshop videos! RESOURCES, PRESENTATIONS, INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS - science_fair_topic_sheet_revised .pdf Download PDF • 151KB science_fair_journal_ullyott .pdf Download PDF • 183KB science_fair_project_ideas_2016 .pdf Download PDF • 93KB bvm_science_fair_dates_2017-_7th_grade_timeline .pdf Download PDF • 146KB matt_bessler_gsdsef_presentation .pptx Download PPTX • 380KB michelle_mardahl-_gsdsef_workshop_presentation .pptx Download PPTX • 1.35MB gina_sacaluso-cara_gsdsef_presentation .pptx Download PPTX • 9.67MB Additional Instructional Materials and Resource Guides: Sample Student Notebook .pdf Download PDF • 559KB How To Do a Project _ Flowchart .pdf Download PDF • 951KB Science_fair_guide_holt_rinehart_winston .pdf Download PDF • 161KB gsef-student-guide-how-to-do-a-science-fair-project .pdf Download PDF • 1.30MB How to Do a Science Fair Project - for Teachers, Students, and Parents (InformED Australia) American Psychological Association - Conducting Psychological Research for Science Fairs: A Teacher's Guide and Resource Manual Research at Home Resources by Society for Science & the Public (ISEF) Section D: Links to Teaching Resources and Digital Libraries Thoughtco Teaching Resources - In-depth articles and teacher resources that give you and your students the answers and information. Science Resources by Thoughtco Computer Science Resources by Thoughtco Math Resources by Thoughtco Teaching Engineering Tinkering, Simple Machines, Simple Electronics, Engineering, and Coding - Activities and Resources Understanding Science and How it really Works – Teaching Resources Teaching Resources - UC Berkeley SAGE: Science and Arts Gateway Education - Teaching and Learning Resources from University of Cornell JPL/NASA Teacher Resource Edutopia – Ten Websites for Science Teachers PBS LEARNING The National Digital Library Science News for Students Science Daily – Your source for latest research EurekAlert! The Global Source for Science News Smithsonian - Science/Nature Science Now UC Riverside Chemical Engineering Fun for Kids Sciencing Try Engineering A Kid's Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Information 2026 GSDSEF Schedule 2026 GSDSEF Schedule In 2026 we will be at the Balboa Park Activity Center in Balboa Park, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego. 2025-26 Participation Process and Working on Project August, 2025-January, 2026- Work on Project; go through SRC Review and Quality Screening; for details, go to: How to Participate Scientific Review (Safety) Committee Review - Complete by December 31, 2025 2026 Quality Screening Deadlines: January 20 – 6th and 7th grade digital project submissions due January 27 – 8th grade digital project submissions due February 11 – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade digital project submissions due February 17- All digital re-submissions are due (if you had Needs Modifications) NO exceptions 2026 Applications (Tab 8), Payments and zFairs*: February 20, 11:59PM – all GSDSEF Applications and Payments are due. NO exceptions. February 23- Students receive initial login email from zFairs February 23-27- Students complete accounts in zFairs and upload digital Judging Slidedecks and Notebooks. February 27, 11:59pm-- Judging Digital Presentation and Notebooks must be uploaded to zFairs. March 9-15-- Judges preview Digital Presentation information in zFairs *What is zFairs? We use zFairs to upload your digital project information--notebooks and Digital Presentations--so judges can preview your project in the weeks preceding the Fair. It is also used to assign judges. GSDSEF dates for 2026 Fair : March 16-22, 2026. Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) Monday, March 16, 2026 10am- 5pm- Fair Setup Tuesday, March 17, 2026 8am-1pm- Fair Setup 1pm-7pm-- Student project setup at the BPAC - - Bring Backboard Displays and Notebooks!! Students-- bring a chair! Wednesday, March 18, 2026: 7:15-8:00am-- Student dropoff at the BPAC Students, bring a lunch! 8:00- 11:30am-- Categorical Judging 10:00 -11:30 - Professional Society Judging 11:30- noon-- Student Lunch noon- 2:00pm-- Professional Society Judging 12:30pm-3:00pm-- Grand Awards Judging 3:00-3:30-- Student pick up Thursday, March 19, 2026: BPAC Closed 6:00-8:30pm-- Awards Ceremony -- TBD, San Diego Friday, March 20, 2026 BPAC closed to the public. Open for student tours 10am-2pm. No reservation necessary. Saturday, March 21, 2026 10am- 1pm-- BPAC open to public to view projects. 1pm-3pm-- Students may start to take projects. Sunday, March 22, 2026 10am- 1pm --Project pickup 1pm-6pm-- BPAC Cleanup

SHOW YOUR BRILLIANCE SAN DIEGO'S SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR SINCE 1955 Science | Technology | Engineering | Math | Open to all San Diego and Imperial County Students Grades 6th through 12th Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fairs Since 1955, the GREATER SAN DIEGO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (GSDSEF) has provided an inspiring experience in science and engineering for tens of thousands of San Diego and Imperial County students, motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This regional competition challenges students to go beyond classroom studies to do independent research – to ask compelling questions, to design and implement innovative solutions, and to present and defend results to judges who are professionals in their fields. Learn More STUDENTS How to Participate Student Resources Project Categories Mentoring Program Workshops LOGIN Calendar & Schedule Past Results Latest News TEACHERS How to get your Students Involved Create Account Advisor Responsibilities Teacher Resources LOGIN 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held this year at the Balboa Park Activity Center, on Wednesday, March 12th. Read More 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. Over 30 million high school students from 1,600 affiliated fairs in 70 countries competed to qualify, of which only 1,700 students made it, including 10 from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Read More BECOME A SPONSOR Thank You To Our Sponsors JUDGES Read More PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND AWARDS Read More VOLUNTEERS Read More Important Dates JAN 2026 2 Student Registration Begins MAR 2026 12 Application Payments Required. TEACHERS This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video. LOGIN Get Your Students Involved Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Advisor Responsibilities Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Teacher Resources Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. STUDENTS The Science Fair is your gateway to discovering the endless possibilities within the scientific world. LOGIN HOW TO GET STARTED The GSDSEF follows the rules and guidelines set by the International Science and Engineering Fair. The GSDSEF has set additional guidelines to protect the safety of participants in addition to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines. PARTICIPATION PROCESS This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT RESOURCES This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. MENTORING / TUTORING This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT AND TEACHERS RESOURCES The Greater San Diego Engineering & Science Fair promises an enriching experience for students and teachers alike. We have carefully organized a set of rules to guide participants through the event, providing a clear understanding of project categories and expectations. Get ready to engage with the wonders of science in a meaningful way! Explore ISEF and GSDEF Rules Sample text for Introduction of Rules Read More Categories Sample text for Introduction for Categories Read More Judges Sample text for Introduction for Judges Read More FEATURED PROJECTS Student Project Highlights ALL PROJECTS I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. CASE STUDY Project Spotlight Year completed: 2025 STUDENT Describe the client PROBLEM ISSUE: DESCRIBE

Information Quality Screening 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. Important dates: check the Schedule page. 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. 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. Applying to the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair After 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.

Sponsors Sponsors

2023 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Awards totaling over 9 million dollars were announced at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) on May 18 and 19 in Dallas, Texas. Competing against over 1600 of the world's best young scientists and engineers from 64 countries and nearly all 50 states and territories, 7 projects from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) garnered a total of 11 awards - 5 Grand Awards and 6 Special Awards. Next Previous

2024 - The 70th Annual GSDSEF Results The 2024 Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) showcased exceptional student achievements across various scientific disciplines. Below is a summary of the results: Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Congratulations to Oliver Cottrell , a 6th grader from La Jolla Country Day School, for being selected as a Top 30 Finalist with his project, "Automatic Hockey Puck-Passer Machine." Additionally, the following students were recognized among the Top 300 Junior Innovators: Steven Chen , Grade 8, Pacific Trails Middle School: "Synthesizing Living Materials for Coral Reef Regeneration" Emily Diep , Grade 8, Connect Academy @ Design 39 Campus: "A Study of a Homemade Smart Bracelet Integrated with an AI-Driven Speech Therapy Game for Children with Speech Disorders" Jeyanth Narayan Parthasarathy , Grade 8, Pacific Trails Middle School: "Reducing Motion Sickness Caused by Regenerative Braking Systems" Ritam Sen , Grade 8, Francis Parker School: "Can Elemental Sulfur Influence the Growth of Different Plants" Samuel Sternson , Grade 8, The Rhoades School: "Passive Cooling with Infrared Reflective Crystals" Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) The ISEF, held from May 11 to May 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, featured nearly 2,000 students from across the United States and 70 countries. Notable achievements include: Leanne Fan , Grade 10, Westview High School Project : "Photobiomodulation on In Vivo and In Vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel" Awards : Second Award in Translational Medical Science ($2,000) and NASA's 1st Prize Special Award ($3,000) Zinia Khattar , Grade 11, Del Norte High School Project : "Integrated Stress Response Activation Discovered to Be the Predominant Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Therapeutic Target Advancement" Award : Second Award in Biomedical and Health Sciences ($2,000) Angelina Kim , Grade 11, The Bishop’s School Project : "An Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System for Ocean Hazard Recognition and Rescue: Scout and Rescue UAVs" Awards : Third Award in Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics ($1,000) and IEEE Foundation President's Scholarship 1st Prize ($10,000) Sarah Gao , Grade 11, Canyon Crest Academy Project : "From Trash to Treasure: Fighting Desertification with Sustainable Soil Amending Hydrogels Synthesized from Food Waste" Award : EPA Patrick H. Hurd Sustainability Award Honorable Mention California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) At the 2024 CSEF, 37 GSDSEF projects (44 students) received awards: Junior Division : 1st Award: 4 projects 2nd Award: 3 projects 3rd Award: 3 projects 4th Award: 1 project Honorable Mentions: 5 projects Senior Division : 1st Award: 1 project 2nd Award: 4 projects 3rd Award: 4 projects 4th Award: 2 projects Honorable Mentions: 10 projects For detailed results, including Grand Awards, Categorical Awards by Division, Professional Society Awards, and Affiliate Fair Student Lists, please refer to the official GSDSEF 2024 Results page. Next Previous

SLB SLB Mentoring Program Mentoring Program Content

SLB SLB Members 2025 - 2026 Student Leadership Board Board Officers: President - Arnav Dagar Vice President of Outreach - Shounak Ray Chaudhuri Vice President of Activities - William Gao Secretary - Adhiban Arulselvan Treasurer - Steven Chen 2025-26 SLB Members: First Name Last Name School Omar Abdulaziz Alexander Allport Medha Aravind Adhiban Arulselvan Dhruv Bantval Maya Bantval Mihir Bapat Harshini Bharadwaj Charles Brum Abhiram Chalamalasetty Shounak Chaudhuri Hayden Chen Steven Chen Zoey Chen Aaron Cooper Arnav Dagar Anabia Ehsan Leanne Fan William Gao Risha Guha David He Abby Hensley Ethan Hu Lucy Huang Reema Jasim Jolina Jian Anirudh Kalyanaraman Yaalini Kathir Rebecca Leeman Jaelyn Liang Ricky Lim Anna Luo Tanya Mandyam Ashwin Mantravadi Nalin Marwah Jeyanth Parthasarathy Tanvi Pyla Advita Rajagopalan Ritam Sen Ihan Sung Siri Tipirneni Ella Xing Henry Xu Kailin Xuan Matthew Yang Lilian Zeng Sophie Zeng Amber Zhang Amy Zhang Austin Zhang Elvin Zhang Virginia Zhu Ryan Zoch For questions or information on our workshops, project advice/peer mentoring, and other Student Leadership Activities, please CONTACT US at: gsdsefslb@gmail.com For all other questions and information, please use the CONTACT US ONLINE button on the bottom of the webpage. SLB Advisors and Supervisors: Mr. Steve Rodecker, Fair Director, stevegsdsef@gmail.com