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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. You can also see this video on the GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process 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

SLB SLB Workshops SLB members are eager to share their enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge with you in a series of interactive step-by-step workshops designed to help you produce a successful STEM project. Workshop topics focus on how to participate in the GSDSEF as well as the entire science fair process and the scientific method/engineering principles from start to finish - from coming up with a project idea, to putting together your science notebook, to designing your poster board, and to finally preparing you for judging. Experienced SLB members are also available to work with you on an individual basis - to answer your specific questions based on your own project. For 2025-26, SLB will be hosting most workshops via Zoom. Workshop information will be sent to your teachers. Zoom links to each workshop will be sent to those who RSVP. Workshop Schedule 2025-26 All workshops are scheduled on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 AM Sept. 6, 2025 - Workshop #1- Finding an Idea Sept. 20, 2025 Workshop #2- GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process Oct. 11, 2025 Workshop #3- Using the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: Problem-->Results Dec. 6, 2025 - Workshop #4A- Data Analysis and Statistics- Basic Dec. 17, 2025 Workshop #4B- Data Analysis and Statistics- Advanced Jan. 10, 2026 Workshop #5- Screening- Digital Project Slidedeck and Notebook Feb. 14, 2026 - Workshop #6- Science Fair Display Backboard and Notebook March 7, 2026 - Workshop #7- In -person Science Fair Judging Practice; 2:30-5:30pm; Tierrasanta Library March 28, 2026 - Workshop #8- Post Fair Workshop Check out our GSDSEF YouTube page for more workshops!

Information Workshops SLB members are eager to share their enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge with you in a series of interactive step-by-step workshops designed to help you produce a successful STEM project. Workshop topics focus on how to participate in the GSDSEF as well as the entire science fair process and the scientific method/engineering principles from start to finish - from coming up with a project idea, to putting together your science notebook, to designing your poster board, and to finally preparing you for judging. Experienced SLB members are also available to work with you on an individual basis - to answer your specific questions based on your own project. For 2025-26, SLB will be hosting most workshops via Zoom. Workshop information will be sent to your teachers. Zoom links to each workshop will be sent to those who RSVP. Workshop Schedule 2025-26 All workshops are scheduled on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 AM Sept. 6, 2025 - Workshop #1- Finding an Idea Sept. 20, 2025 Workshop #2- GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process Oct. 11, 2025 Workshop #3- Using the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: Problem-->Results Dec. 6, 2025 - Workshop #4A- Data Analysis and Statistics- Basic Dec. 17, 2025 Workshop #4B- Data Analysis and Statistics- Advanced Jan. 10, 2026 Workshop #5- Screening- Digital Project Slidedeck and Notebook Feb. 14, 2026 - Workshop #6- Science Fair Display Backboard and Notebook March 7, 2026 - Workshop #7- In -person Science Fair Judging Practice; 2:30-5:30pm; Tierrasanta Library March 28, 2026 - Workshop #8- Post Fair Workshop Check out our GSDSEF YouTube page for more workshops!

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 Rule Book 2025-2026 .pdf Download PDF • 3.07MB 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 Student Resources RESOURCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, OR MATHEMATICS PROJECT PREPARING FOR JUDGING: 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. 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) Backboard Display Info and Examples: GSDSEF DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS .pdf Download PDF • 182KB Science Fair Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 275KB Engineering Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 271KB 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 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. To register as a judge, please click here to access zFairs. While we are planning on in-person judging, early virtual previews of student projects will still be available in zFairs. Learning videos will be available to help you navigate through zFairs. 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. Please view the GSDSEF Categories below for for descriptions, and note that each category name is hyperlinked to a category-specific judging guide. Guide for Judging Animal Sciences Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 84KB Guide for Judging Behavioral and Social Sciences Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 147KB Guide for Judging Biochemistry Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 128KB Guide for Judging Biomedical Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Science Fair Proje .pdf Download PDF • 158KB Guide for Judging Cellular and Molecular Biology Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 121KB Guide for Judging Chemistry Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 149KB Guide for Judging Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 137KB Guide for Judging Computer Science and Systems Software Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 128KB Guide for Judging Earth and Environmental Sciences Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 154KB Guide for Judging Engineering Electrical Mechanical and Robotics Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 159KB Guide for Judging Engineering Energy Materials and Transport Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 167KB Guide for Judging Mathematics Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 148KB Guide for Judging Microbiology Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 123KB Guide for Judging Physics and Astronomy Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 126KB Guide for Judging Plant Sciences Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 125KB Guide for Judging Product Testing Science Fair Projects .pdf Download PDF • 76KB Vickie Driver Judging Coordinator For more information, please contact: judging@gsdsef.org Find judging resources below: GSDSEF Standards for Judging a Science Fair Project .pdf Download PDF • 44KB 20 Questions You Might Ask .pdf Download PDF • 114KB Comparing Projects .pdf Download PDF • 98KB Elements of a Science Fair Project A .pdf Download PDF • 109KB Reward the Best Encourage the Rest_2025Final .pdf Download PDF • 129KB Judges Rubric .pdf Download PDF • 168KB For more information, email judging@gsdsef.org

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.

Information 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.Students log into their account. 2. Students then click on DASHBOARD in upper left hand column, then click on CREATE PROJECT which is on the right side. 3. Students 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 any needed ISEF forms. Information can be found below and in the FORMS HELPER TAB 3 on student account. 4. 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 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

Information Mentoring Program SLB Mentorship Program The GSDSEF SLB will be continuing its annual Mentorship Program designed to pair GSDSEF participants with experienced mentors to help you improve and succeed with your project. You will receive individualized attention with an experienced GSDSEF mentor who will not only assist you with the science/engineering in your project, but guide you through the GSDSEF participation process as well. Meetings will be approximately 30-45 minutes/week (or as needed) and conducted via Zoom. Mentors will guide you on how to: Navigate the online participation process Submit necessary ISEF forms for the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Process Create an impactful methodology Gather reliable results Analyze complex data Organize information into presentable formats Prepare a cohesive presentation for Judges Prepare your digital and physical presentations and notebooks Extend the impact of your project And much, much more!! In order to best support students, GSDSEF SLB pairs mentees and mentors based on their project categories and interests. NOTE: We highly recommend students have a general understanding of what they want their project to be before signing up. Information on how to sign up for a mentor will be sent to your advisors/teachers in September and October. It will also be available here online.

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.

Product Testing (Junior Division Only) Studies of quality control, and/or comparison studies of product designs by using accepted scientific tests to obtain quantifiable results. Product Testing: The study of the comparison and testing of commercial off–the-shelf products for quality and/or effectiveness for intended use in real-world consumer-oriented applications. Next Project Category Previous Project Category