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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

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 FAQs FAQs about Professional Society/Special Award Judging at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair SPECIAL AWARD JUDGING BASICS ADVANCED JUDGING: INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF JUDGING: CHOOSING WINNERS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE GSDSEF ALL ABOUT SPECIAL AWARDS SPECIAL AWARD JUDGING BASICS: What? Note: What were previously referred to as "Professional Society Awards" are now called "Special Awards." This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Award” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. When? ● Wednesday of Fair Week, which is typically the second week of March each year ● See GSDSEF Schedule for exact dates Where? IN PERSON: Balboa Park Activity Center: 2145 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101 ● Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/bpac ● Map: Google Map Link for BPAC ● NOTE: We advise carpooling whenever possible Virtual: ● zFairs - gsdsef.zfairs.com (registration required) ● No student interviews; select winners based on materials uploaded to zFairs Showcase (Abstract, slide deck, etc.) only ● Winners List due by 4:00pm on Judging Day Parking ● Free parking available in parking lot How do I know which projects to look at? ● Each Organization has its own method to determine which projects to look at, so please check with your point of contact or head judge if you are unsure. ● You may preview all projects online, including Abstract, deck, etc. in the zFairs Student Showcase, 1-2 weeks before Fair Week. ● To identify which projects meet your judging criteria, use the search bar for keywords or categories ● Your Judging Captain may also be sent a spreadsheet of all Abstracts ahead of the event What is “Preview Night”? ● Preview Night is a chance to get an early look at the projects while they are being set up, on the Tuesday of Fair Week—and closes at 7pm. ● Preview Night is an opportunity for your team to get an advance look at the projects, before official judging. While most of the projects will be present, students will continue to arrive during your preview time - a project that is not in place may simply be arriving late, rather than a no-show ● PLEASE NOTE that this is NOT an opportunity for formal judging. Students will be in and out, setting up their projects and will NOT be available for interviews or questions ● To get the most out of your Preview Night experience, we suggest that you pre-select projects based on their titles and the Abstracts (see the above Q&A on “How do I know which projects to look at) and use Preview Night as an opportunity to refine your list prior to the actual judging. You may see projects that are interesting and meet your team’s criteria but are not on the list, or others that you can rule out without an interview ● You do not need to attend as a group or check in to view projects. Although most preview night teams do arrive as groups, we also have individuals who come without their team ● VIRTUAL projects previews are also available online at gsdsef.zfairs.com in the week(s) leading up to the event What should each Judge bring on Judging Day? ● A writing tool that you are comfortable with (a limited number of pencils are available on site) ● A clipboard, if possible, to provide a firm surface for writing (a limited number of clipboards are also available on site) ● Paper (or a judging form from your Organization) to take notes ● Your head judge’s contact information (where/when to meet, cell phone number, etc.) ● A lanyard with the name of your organization will be provided. If you wish, you may bring a business card to insert into your lanyard Is there a dress code? We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes to ensure good traction on the material used to cover the Balboa Park Activity Center’s wooden floor. The students are asked to wear professional attire, to show that they are taking this seriously, but we do not require this of our judges. If you have an identifying badge, ribbon, pin, or other item from your organization, we encourage you to wear it. Do I need to check in with the GSDSEF on Judging Day? ● Only the Judging Captain for your team needs to check in with the GSDSEF. That person will also need to check out before leaving, to ensure we have all our paperwork for your winner(s) ● The Judging Captain will be given name badges and lanyards, as well as the Judging Form that needs to be turned in before they leave How do I find my team? IMPORTANT: We do not have a good answer to this question! ● Since there are typically about ~400 students and 250-300 judges, it is loud in the Balboa Park Activity Center, and therefore announcements we make using the PA system are not always easy to understand ● Some teams have reported problems with cell phone reception as well ● We strongly suggest that your team make arrangements ahead of time for meeting outside the building ● The happiest teams are often those which meet for lunch and carpool to the GSDSEF How will students and volunteers know I’m allowed into the building on Judging Day? You will be given a lanyard and ID badge , identifying you as a judge. These will be in a packet handed to your Judging Captain, so please be sure you know where to meet your Judging Captain before entering the building. If you arrive late, we do have extra credentials and a list of judge names, so we can check you off. Can you give me some tips on how to judge student projects? Your team will have its own criteria for selecting winning projects. The GSDSEF does have its own standards and judging forms used by the Categorical and Grand Award Judges. Links to all of the material we provide for morning judges (the categorical judges who award placements in the GSDSEF) can be found at the BOTTOM of ou r page about categorical judging under GSDSEF background. In addition to the GSDSEF’s standards, we also have suggestions for interviewing students. Of course, your team is likely to have significant differences from our example. Will there be food available on-site on Judging Day? Meals are not available for purchase at the Balboa Park Activity Center. There are a few snack and drink machines in the foyer, but we strongly suggest you make your own arrangements with your team about lunch. Some teams choose to meet for an early lunch and then carpool to the GSDSEF, while others prefer a later lunch, after judging. You may not bring food or drink into the judging area, except for water bottles with lids. Where can we sit to eat, or while we discuss who our winners are? We will have a Judges’ caucus area set up inside the Balboa Park Activity Center. However, spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. There are a very limited number of chairs and tables outside the Balboa Park Activity Center, as well as a low wall surrounding the area. You are welcome to bring your own folding chairs, tarpaulins or blankets to sit on while you discuss your team’s choices. If you do bring your own items to sit on, we suggest you leave them in a safe place until you are ready to use them. ADVANCED JUDGING: INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS What suggestions do you have for interacting with students? ● Please introduce yourself, and let them know which organization you are with ● Please be gentle! Many of our students are very intimidated by presenting their projects to adults, especially the younger ones; they do not have the same detailed level of expertise as most adult scientists (although a few of them are always amazing on their narrow topic) ● We suggest you ask open-ended general questions to begin -- for example “How did you determine if your results were statistically significant” rather than “Where is your Poisson Distribution?” You can always add more detail in follow-up questions Can I tell a student that they have won our award? Please do not tell students they have won! We want the students to attend the Awards Ceremony and be pleasantly surprised Can I take photographs of our winners? All students will have signed a media release permitting GSDSEF to use their images for promotional purposes. With that said, if you would like to take photos, please ask if it is OK with the student first, and try your best to suggest that you are photographing many of the students you interview, not necessarily the winners. Please do not make a special point of photographing anyone, because we don’t want to tip off the winners, and we also don’t want students to believe they won only on the basis of having a photogenic project. Can I give my card (or my organization’s flier) to a student I interview? If you brought enough for everyone, feel free – and please mention that you are giving this to every student. Please, do not give items to only a few of the students you interview, since students often interpret this as indicating whether or not they won, and we don’t want anyone to feel discouraged or be unpleasantly surprised at the awards ceremony if they did not win, nor to skip the ceremony because they “know” they won. Can I Contact a Student About Their Project? We only provide student contact information to your team’s Judging Captain. However, you are welcome to leave a message for the student, and we will ensure that the student receives it. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF JUDGING: CHOOSING WINNERS How do we let the GSDSEF know who our selected winners are? Your Judging Captain will have a form to return, with information about your winners. Only one form is needed per team. How do we know how to reach the winners? When you turn in your Winner form, your selections will be inputted into the zFairs system and a list of contact information will be generated and printed for you on the spot. We request that you DO NOT reach out to your winners until after the Awards Ceremony. What if the contact information is wrong? Always a possibility, since the students type in the information themselves in most cases. We try to verify their contact information before they leave the GSDSEF. If you can’t reach the student, e-mail sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org and let her know about the problem -- we will try to get you better information. When do I contact our winners? It is our expectation that each Organization will reach out to their winners as soon after the Fair as possible. This initial communication may be a simple “Congratulations” email, or provided detailed information about next steps. It is important to establish this connection, so that students are not left wondering where their prize is. Students are asked to reach out to GSDSEF if they have not heard from their Professional Society. We can avoid much back and forth if you reach out to your winners in a timely manner. How do students get their prizes? The way that students get their prizes varies from one organization to the next. Sometimes, an item is left at the GSDSEF to deliver on the weekend, when students pick up their projects and take them home. Far more often, the organization will contact the winners directly, and either mail their prize or arrange to hand it over at their own event such as part of the program at an organization’s board meeting, or a part of a larger awards ceremony at an annual symposium held locally. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE GSDSEF What is the GSDSEF? GSDSEF is short for Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, which has been celebrating students since 1955. For more information about the GSDSEF, please see our about page . What Other Judging opportunities are there? ● In addition to the Special Awards Judging, we also have “Categorical Judging” and “Grand Award Judging” ● The Categorical Judges are our morning judges, and they select the First through Fourth place winners in each category. They also make recommendations for California Science Fair selections and for the Grand Awards. For more information about becoming a Categorical judge, please see information under the "Judges" dropdown menu. ● The Grand Award judges are typically our most experienced judges, and they choose the GSDSEF’s top winners, many of whom go to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair. This judging happens at the same time as the Special Awards judging Who pays for all this? The 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. For information on how to donate, please see information under the "Sponsors" dropdown menu. ALL ABOUT SPECIAL AWARDS What is a Special Award? Note: What were previously referred to as "Professional Society Awards" are now called "Special Awards." This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Award” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. How does an Organization sign up to participate? Contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . The GSDSEF will need to know a little bit about your organization, how you plan to determine your winners, and what you plan to give the student winner(s). Can you give me an overview of how Special Award Judging Works? Once your organization has signed up to participate, your organization determines, based on its own criteria, which projects to judge. Many teams use the Project List (including the Abstracts) to determine which projects should be looked at most carefully. Preview Night is held the evening before Judging Day, and gives you a chance before judging to look over projects in a little more detail.You may also preview projects online. Your team judges projects in person or online on Judging Day, and the Judging Captain fills out paperwork to let the GSDSEF know who your winners are. The Judging Captain receives contact information for your winners, and your organization arranges to get the award to the student. More information about each process is below. How do individuals sign up to judge for a Special Award? Individuals sign up through their Organization, not online with the GSDSEF. If you are interested in judging but do not know who to contact, please contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . She can let you know who to contact, or get you started as a new team. I STILL HAVE A QUESTION! If you still have a question that is not answered above, please contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org .

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

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

Chemistry Studies exploring the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter not involving biochemical systems. Subcategories: Analytical Chemistry Computational Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry Materials Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physical Chemistry Other/Multiple Analytical Chemistry: The study of the separation, identification, and quantification of the chemical components of materials. Computational Chemistry: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to solve large and complex problems in Chemistry. Environmental Chemistry: The study of chemical species in the natural environment, including the effects of human activities, such as the design of products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Inorganic Chemistry: The study of the properties and reactions of inorganic and organometallic compounds. Materials Chemistry: The chemical study of the design, synthesis and properties of substances, including condensed phases (solids, liquids, polymers) and interfaces, with a useful or potentially useful function, such as catalysis or solar energy. Organic Chemistry: The study of carbon-containing compounds, including hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Physical Chemistry: The study of the fundamental physical basis of chemical systems and processes, including chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy, statistical mechanics and astro-chemistry. Other/Multiple: Studies in Chemistry that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

SLB About The 2025-26 GSDSEF Student Leadership Board (SLB) is pleased to provide THREE different opportunities - WORKSHOPS, a MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, and STEM Bootcamps - for middle school and high school students in San Diego and Imperial Counties to develop and produce successful science, engineering, math, and/or computer science projects for entrance into the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF).

Plant Sciences Studies of plants and how they live, including structure, physiology, development, and classification. Includes plant cultivation, development, ecology, genetics and plant breeding, pathology, physiology, systematics and evolution. Subcategories Agriculture and Agronomy Ecology Genetics and Breeding Growth and Development Pathology Plant Physiology Systematics and Evolution Other/Multiple Agriculture and Agronomy: Application of the various soil and plant sciences to soil management and agricultural and horticultural crop production. Includes biological and chemical controls of pests, hydroponics, fertilizers and supplements. Ecology: The study of interactions and relationships among plants, and plants and animals, with their environment. Genetics and Breeding: The study of organismic and population genetics of plants. The application of plant genetics and biotechnology to crop improvement. This includes genetically modified crops. Growth and Development: The study of a plant from earliest stages through germination and into later life. This includes cellular and molecular aspects of development and environmental effects, natural or manmade, on development and growth. Pathology: The study of plant disease states, and their causes, processes, and consequences. This includes effects of parasites or disease-causing microbes. Plant Physiology: The study of functions in plants and plant cells. This includes cellular mechanisms such as photosynthesis and transpiration, and how plant processes are affected by environmental factors or natural variations. Systematics and Evolution: The study of classification of organisms and their evolutionary relationships. This includes morphological, biochemical, genetic, and modeled systems. Other/Multiple: Studies in Plant Science that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Science and Engineering Fair Project Categories Project Categories Animal Sciences Behavioral & Social Sciences Biochemistry Biomedical/Health Sciences & Bioengineering Cellular & Molecular Biology Chemistry Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Computer Science & Systems Software Earth & Environmental Science Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical & Robotics Engineering: Energy, Materials, & Transport Mathematics Microbiology Physics & Astronomy Plant Sciences Product Testing (Junior Division Only)

Behavioral & Social Sciences The science or study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and other animals in their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental methods. Subcategories : Clinical & Developmental Psychology Cognitive Psychology Neuroscience Physiological Psychology Sociology and Social Psychology Other/Multiple Subcategories Clinical and Developmental Psychology: The study and treatment of emotional or behavioral disorders. Developmental psychology is concerned with the study of progressive behavioral changes in an individual from birth until death. Cognitive Psychology: The study of cognition, the mental processes that underlie behavior, including thinking, deciding, reasoning, and to some extent motivation and emotion. Neuroscience: Studies of the neural basis of cognitive processes, including learning and memory, language and thought, perception, attention, and affect. It investigates the human brain, from the functional organization of large-scale cerebral systems to microscopic neurochemical processes. Physiological Psychology: The study of the biological and physiological basis of behavior. This field studies the neural mechanisms of perception and behavior through direct manipulation of the brain in controlled experiments. Sociology and Social Psychology: The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society. Sociology is concerned with all group activities-economic, social, political, and religious. Includes studies of consumers and decision-making about a particular product/service or study of the need, attitude, and markets of a particular group. Other/Multiple: Studies in Behavioral and Social Science that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information What Are Special Awards? Note: What were previously referred to as “Professional Society Awards” are now called “Special Awards.” This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Awards” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Each year, these organizations come together to celebrate student achievement by sponsoring Special Awards that honor excellence in specific fields - from engineering and environmental science to health, innovation, and community impact. Why Special Awards Matter Special Awards are a meaningful way to recognize and encourage promising young scientists and engineers. These awards connect students with real-world opportunities and highlight exceptional work that aligns with an organization’s mission or values. Over 175 Special Awards and scholarships - totaling more than $40,000 - are given each year. We thank all the local and national organizations who support GSDSEF students through their generous contributions. How Special Awards Work Customize your award : Define the award’s name, field, selection criteria, number of winners, and the prize. Awards may include certificates, event invitations, gift cards, or monetary awards. Choose your judges : Send your own representatives or have GSDSEF select winners based on your specifications. Celebrate achievement : Awardees are recognized during the GSDSEF Awards Ceremony. Sponsors receive contact information to follow up with their winners directly. Who Can Sponsor a Special Award? We welcome: Industry organizations Professional societies Special interest groups Companies and startups Government agencies Nonprofit organizations Academic institutions Professional Awards Sponsors and Criteria .pdf Download PDF • 466KB If you’re interested in sponsoring an award, contact our Special Awards Coordinator, Sejal Pabari, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . Awards and Eligibility Criteria The actual number and scope of sponsoring organizations from year to year can vary. Below, you will find a list of recent participants and their respective judging criteria for your reference. Please keep in mind that this is not a definitive list. Ready to Support the Next Generation of Scientists? Become a Special Award sponsor and help inspire future leaders in science, engineering, and innovation. If you’re interested in sponsoring an award, contact our Special Awards Coordinator, Sejal Pabari, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . For more information about Professional Society and Special Awards, please review the Special Awards FAQs Page

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 $5,000 - $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., Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors – Fleet Science Center, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego Wildlife Alliance