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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.

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. After a workshop is completed and its recording is ready, click the description to see the Workshop Video. 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 to Results Dec. 6, 2025 - Workshop #4A- Data Analysis and Statistics- Basic Dec. 20, 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 14, 2026 - Workshop #7- In -person Science Fair Judging Practice ; 2:00-5:00pm; La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 [Note updated location and time as of Jan. 22 and new date as of Feb 12 ] March 28, 2026 - Workshop #8- Post Fair Workshop Check out our GSDSEF YouTube page for more workshops!

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.

Sponsors Sponsors The GSDSEF wishes to thank the following sponsors: Premier Sponsor $25,000 and up Qualcomm Diamond Sponsors $15,000 - $24,999 PECG (Professional Engineers in California Government) Xzom Platinum Sponsors $10,000 - $14,999 ASML Broadcom Foundation General Atomics Science Education Foundation Lilly Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation Gold Sponsors $5000 - $9,999 Thermo Fisher Scientific Silver Sponsors $2,500 - $4,999 Collins Aerospace Systems DRS Daylight Solutions Future Forward Labs Pfizer Bronze Sponsors $1,000 - $2,499 Taiwanese American Foundation of S.D. The Super Dentists Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors San Diego County Office of Education San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Signa Digital Solutions Area Merchants, Businesses, Community Organizations San Diego City Parks and Recreation – Balboa Park Activity Center Community Volunteers

Teachers Get Your Students Involved How to get your students competing in the GSDSEF: How do I get my students involved? Abbreviated Timeline Advisor Responsibilities Teachers, do you have 6-12 grade students who: • are interested in science, technology, engineering, and/or math? • are curious and like to think outside the box? • enjoy building or creating things? • like challenges and want to come up with solutions to problems? • want to make a difference in the future? If so, participating in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair is for your students! The GSDSEF promotes experimentation, creativity, and discovery…. Students benefit by: • incorporating many disciplines including reading, writing, tech, mathematics, art and design. • using logic, data, reason, rationale, and critical thinking to formulate conclusions. • earning awards, scholarships, and trips. • defending their research to judges, increasing their communication skills. • completing a STEM portfolio of their skills in a project. • getting a sense of pride by completing a long term, open-ended project with perseverance In the competitive world of college applications, participation in the GSDSEF is a great plus because it proves that the student can set goals and complete a long-term project that distinguishes him/her from other students. The benefits for your students are well worth your time! How do I get my students involved? There are many different ways to get your students involved with STEM research: Research projects can be done: • as a required part of a class grade • as extra credit beyond the regular class grade • in a research class with separate credit • through clubs • in labs with mentors • at home independently Abbreviated Timeline: For a detailed schedule/calendar go to: Schedule For a detailed Participation Process go to: How to Participate August- September: An early start is crucial…. Students · select projects · make GSDSEF accounts · go through Safety Review (SRC= Scientific Review Committee) September- January: • Students work on projects January-February: Students · complete projects · go through Quality Screening February: Students · Finish Participation Process with Abstracts and Payment · Make zFairs accounts · Upload Digital Presentations and Notebooks to zFairs · Begin work on physical notebooks and display backboard March: Students · Prepare for Judging Day · Set up Projects at the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) · Present Projects on Judging Day · Attend Awards Ceremony · Take down projects Are you interested in becoming an Advisor? Advisor Responsibilities An Advisor can be a teacher or an adult who is knowledgeable in STEM. Advisors typically help students: · select projects · follow timelines to benchmark progress—an early start is crucial · understand the GSDSEF online participation process · make GSDSEF accounts –after YOU have made your account. · work through the Scientific Review Process--- Which ISEF forms do they need? · review their project progress based on the timeline · by offering advice to improve their projects · with the Quality Review process · with the Digital Presentation, Notebook, and zFairs uploads · practice for Judging Day Ready to become an Advisor for GSDSEF Projects? Simply click on Create Account under the teacher picture. From then on, click on LOGIN to see your teacher dashboard with all of your students’ projects listed. We congratulate and welcome all GSDSEF advisors! We appreciate the great job you do!!

Information Award Sponsors & Criteria Our Thanks to Special Award Sponsors We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations that support GSDSEF students through Special Awards. Their continued involvement helps celebrate student achievement and fosters meaningful connections between students and the broader STEM community. Special Award Sponsors and Award Criteria To help students, educators, and families better understand Special Awards, click here to view the GSDSEF Special Award Sponsors and Award Criteria , which includes information about recent Special Award sponsors and the award criteria established by each organization. Please note that the number, scope, and criteria of Special Awards may vary from year to year. GSDSEF Special Award Sponsors and Award Criteria Interested in Sponsoring a Special Award? If your organization is interested in sponsoring a Special Award or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please visit our Contact Us page. We would be delighted to connect and explore how you can support our students. Recent Special Award Sponsors The organizations listed below represent a sample of recent Special Award sponsors and do not constitute a complete or definitive list: Air and Waste Management Association - San Diego Chapter American Psychological Association American Society of Civil Engineers American Society of Mechanical Engineers, San Diego Section American Society of Non Destructive Testing (San Diego Section) Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Association for Women Geoscientists Association for Women in Science San Diego BD “Advancing the World of Health” Award Broadcom “Coding with Commitment” Award Building Industry Association Cares California Association of Professional Scientists California Environmental Health Association Southwest Chapter and County of San Diego DEHQ California School Nurse Organization - San Diego/Imperial (CSNO- SDI) Citadel Securities Innovation Prize Collins Aerospace’s Fred H. Rohr Science Award Department of Defense (DoD) STEM Leadership Prize DRS Daylight Solutions Award for Optical Physics and Engineering DRS Daylight Solutions Project Assistance Award for Optical Physics and Engineering General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation Kaiser Permanente Blue Ribbon Award Lemelson Early Inventor Prize Marine Technology Society NASA EARTH System Science Award National Geographic Award National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration “Taking the Pulse of the Planet” Award Nature Needs SD Office of Naval Research (U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps) Professional Engineers in California Government Award Regeneron Biomedical Science Award Ricoh USA, Inc. San Diego Astronomy Association San Diego Chapter, American Society of Materials International San Diego County Dental Foundation San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association San Diego County Water Authority San Diego Psychological Association San Diego Section, American Chemical Society Scripps Research Young Scientist Award Society for In Vitro Biology Society for Women Engineers - San Diego County Section Stockholm Junior Water Prize Taiwan Award The Society of American Military Engineers - San Diego Post Thermo Fisher Award Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Torrey Pines Docent Society U.S. Air Force U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) U.S. Metric Association Yale Science and Engineering Association

Information Workshops (OLD, DO NOT USE) 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!

Sponsors How To Support The Fair The GSDSEF Needs Your Support Since 1955, the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair has been fostering creativity and innovation through inquiry and design. We celebrate students' STEM achievements and showcase how young minds can make an impact in the present and future. Why Contribute? The GSDSEF ... provides a forum for students to showcase their STEM research to the community. is a networking opportunity for students and the scientific, business, and academic communities. provides student recognition through awards and scholarships. provides an opportunity to advance to state, national, international, and other science and engineering competitions. By contributing to the GSDSEF, you are supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, health-care professionals – the problem-solvers...doers...innovators...constructors – those who will make a positive difference in the world. GSDSEF_Brochure_for_Fundraising_ .pdf Download PDF • 1.06MB Become a Corporate Sponsor Premier - $25,000 and up • Major Sponsor of the GSDSEF • Introductory speech at Awards Ceremony, banner displayed • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Diamond - $15,000 - $24,999 • Presence on stage at Awards Ceremony, banner displayed • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Platinum- $10,000 - $14,999 • Mention at the Awards Ceremony, banner displayed Gold - $5,000 - $9,999 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Silver - $2,500 - $4,999 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Bronze - $1,000 - $2,499 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Friends of GSDSEF - $999 and less • Name displayed on Sponsor page—no logo GSDSEF_Sponsorship_Levels .pdf Download PDF • 273KB Contact our team at sponsor@gsdsef.org to become a Corporate Sponsor. For individual or group donations, please contact us via the Contact Us Online link at the bottom of the page. Your support of the students of San Diego and Imperial Counties is greatly appreciated! The GSDSEF wishes to thank the following sponsors: Premier Sponsor $25,000 and up Qualcomm Diamond Sponsors $15,000 - $24,999 PECG (Professional Engineers in California Government) Xzom Platinum Sponsors $10,000 - $14,999 ASML Broadcom Foundation General Atomics Science Education Foundation Lilly Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation Gold Sponsors $5000 - $9,999 Thermo Fisher Scientific Silver Sponsors $2,500 - $4,999 Collins Aerospace Systems DRS Daylight Solutions Future Forward Labs Pfizer Bronze Sponsors $1,000 - $2,499 Taiwanese American Foundation of S.D. The Super Dentists Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors San Diego County Office of Education San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Signa Digital Solutions Area Merchants, Businesses, Community Organizations San Diego City Parks and Recreation – Balboa Park Activity Center Community Volunteers GSDSEF is an all-volunteer, registered tax-exempt California non-profit 501 (c) 3 Corporation, operating as a Public Charity Status. We are totally dependent on donations from industry, business, and friends like you to make the science fair possible. EIN #23-7332855

Information 2026 GSDSEF Schedule The 2026 GSDSEF was held at the Balboa Park Activity Center in Balboa Park, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego. See below for schedule details about the participation process and Fair Week. An updated schedule for the 2027 GSDSEF will be posted in summer 2026. 2025-26 Participation Process and Working on Project August 2025 - January 2026: Work on Project, and 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, NO EXCEPTIONS – All digital re-submissions due (if your initial screening result was "Needs Modifications") 2026 Applications (Tab 8), Payments, and zFairs*: February 20, 11:59PM, NO EXCEPTIONS – all GSDSEF Applications and Payments are due February 23 – Students receive initial login email from zFairs February 23 - March 1 – Students complete accounts in zFairs, and upload PDFs of their Digital Judging Presentation (slides) and Notebook March 1, 11:59pm (deadline extended) – Judging Digital Presentation and Notebook PDFs must be uploaded to zFairs for each project 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. zFairs is also used to assign judges to judging teams and teams to projects. GSDSEF dates for the 2026 Fair : March 16-22, 2026, at the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) Monday, March 16, 2026 10am-5pm – Fair Setup Tuesday, March 17, 2026 8am-1pm – Fair Setup 1-7pm – 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 – Category Awards Judging 10:00-11:30am – Special Awards Judging 11:30am-12:00pm – Student Lunch 12:00-2:00pm – Special Awards Judging 12:30pm-3:00pm – Grand Awards Judging 3:00-3:30pm – Student pick up Thursday, March 19, 2026: BPAC Closed 6:00-8:30pm – Awards Ceremony (The Magnolia, 210 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020 , with free parking adjacent to the theater on W D Hall Drive off E Main St) 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 pick up their projects Sunday, March 22, 2026 10am-1pm – Project pickup 1pm-6pm – BPAC Cleanup

GSDSEF Privacy Statement Privacy and COPPA The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, Inc. (GSDSEF) exists to promote project-based learning in science/engineering/mathematics and to foster public awareness of the scientific/engineering/mathematics accomplishments of students throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties in grades 6-12, especially the accomplishments of those who participate in the GSDSEF. We recognize, however, that both parents and students are rightfully concerned about their online privacy. The purpose of this page is to explain the policies of the GSDSEF with respect to the protection of participants' privacy. This page also serves to satisfy the requirements of the Children's On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), whose rules became effective on April 21, 2000. The privacy protection policies of the GSDSEF go beyond the requirements of COPPA by including all participants (not just those under age 13). Privacy Policy All private personal information about participants collected by the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair will be used only for the purposes of the operation/promotion of the GSDSEF. No private personal information will be shared with any outside agency except as required for the operation/promotion of the GSDSEF. No personal or private information of any participant will be sold or given to any organization for any commercial purpose by the GSDSEF. However, the GSDSEF will share private personal information with external agencies which sponsor Special and Professional Society Awards. This information includes the addresses and/or email addresses of their award winners only for purposes of delivering award checks and/or invitations to awards dinners. "Private Personal Information" as used here means personal identifying information which would not normally be known by random strangers, and includes such information as a person's home address, phone number, birthdate, and parents’ names. Certain information about a participant, such as his/her school or grade in school, is not considered "private" for purposes of this policy. While a participant's name is certainly "personal identifying information," the GSDSEF does publicize the names, schools, and teachers of participants in its Fair Directory, as well as the accomplishments of its participants such as their awards, including posting them on the GSDSEF website. This use has been authorized by all participants and their parents, on their Application to the GSDSEF. How Does GSDSEF Collect Information About Participants? The principal avenue by which the GSDSEF collects information is the electronic screening form and subsequent application that every student completes as a prerequisite to participate in the GSDSEF. Student names, emails, telephone numbers, and schools are available to screeners and GSDSEF officials to access their projects. Screeners and other GSDSEF officials can see the emails and telephone numbers of students; however, screeners and GSDSEF officials are instructed that no student personal identifying information is to be shared with any other person or entity. This Website, gsdsef.org, Also Collects Information About Its Visitors As with every Web server, every requested URL is logged along with the time, IP address, and referring URL. This information cannot be used to identify any individual unless further information is explicitly provided by that person. We use the information we collect to measure the number of visitors to the different sections of our site, and to help us make our site more useful to visitors. We want to be very clear: We will not obtain personally-identifying information about you when you visit our site, unless you explicitly choose to provide such information to us. These are the only ways that any information about any person is collected by the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair as of the time of this writing. Other forms may be created in the future if other opportunities are then offered by the GSDSEF, and should be included in the above list. United States Federal Government Information About Privacy Rules On October 21, 1998, COPPA, the Children's On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1998, was signed into law by President Clinton, with broad support from industry and advocates for children and privacy. The statute required that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issue rules to implement COPPA's privacy protections within one year. On April 27, 1999, the Commission published a proposed rule in the Federal Register and requested public comment. Following a review of the comments, the FTC issued the final rule on October 20, 1999, giving websites six months to come into compliance with the Rule's requirements by the Rule's effective date of April 21, 2000. The full text of COPPA, and helpful documents constructed by the Federal Trade Commission, are all available on the "Children's Privacy" page of the FTC's website at https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/childrens-privacy . Questions about GSDSEFs Privacy Policy If you have any questions or concerns about the policy described above, please click a Contact Us link, here or at the bottom of each GSDSEF website page.

Cellular & Molecular Biology This is an interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, function, intracellular pathways, and formation of cells. Studies involve understanding life and cellular processes specifically at the molecular level. Subcategories: Cell Physiology Cellular Immunology Genetics Molecular Biology Neurobiology Other/Multiple Cell Physiology: The study of the cell cycle, cell function, and interactions between cells or between cells and their environment. In general, projects could address physiology of membrane transport, neuron transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food, circulation of blood, contraction of muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in plant cells. In general, projects could address physiology of membrane transport, neuron transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food, circulation of blood, contraction of muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in plant cells. Cellular Immunology: The study of the structure and function of the immune system at the cellular level. This includes investigations of innate and acquired (adaptive) immunity, the cellular communication pathways involved in immunity, cellular recognition and interactions between antigens and antibodies. Genetics: The study of molecular genetics focusing on the structure and function of genes at a molecular level, genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living cells. These projects explore the consequences of genome variation on human cell biology, and thus gene function in health and disease. Furthermore, projects may study the impact of naturally-occurring and engineered genome mutations in human iPS cells, their differentiated derivatives, and other cell types. Molecular Biology: The study of biology at the molecular level. Chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interrelationships of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and learning how these interactions are regulated, such as during transcription and translation, the significance of introns and exons or coding issues. Neurobiology: The study of the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular or molecular level. This area focuses on the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior. Some neurobiology focuses on the molecular structures of the brain and nervous system. Larger complete systems, like the function and structure of the cerebral cortex, may be studied. Projects can look at biological factors that impact learning or mood, or how early genetic material develops into various areas of the brain. Other/Multiple: Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Biochemistry The study of the chemical basis of processes occurring in living organisms, including the processes by which these substances enter into, or are formed in, the organisms and react with each other and the environment. Subcategories : Analytical Biochemistry General Biochemistry Medicinal Biochemistry Structural Biochemistry Other/Multiple Analytical Biochemistry: The study of biochemical components found in a cell or other biological sample. The study of the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical components relevant to living organisms. General Biochemistry: The study of chemical and physiochemical processes, including interactions and reactions, relevant to living organisms. Medicinal Biochemistry: The study of biochemical processes within the human body, with special reference to health and disease. Structural Biochemistry: The study of components, functions, and structures of molecules of cells within living organisms. Projects in this subcategory can address various variables of cells through the theories of Chemistry and the laws of Physics. Other/Multiple: Studies in Biochemistry that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category