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75th International Science and Engineering Fair (2025) 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 Important: 2026 Parking Update Despite our extensive efforts, GSDSEF has been unable to secure free parking at Balboa Park with the City of San Diego. Please note: All visitors must follow Balboa Park’s new tiered parking rules Rates vary by your residency as well as the duration and location of your parking You may be required to pre-register an account and/or download an app on your smartphone If pre-registering an account, do not wait until the last minute, because they can take awhile for the City to approve (though not the 48hrs they warn about, in our experience) ADA parking remains free in all stalls for those with a valid disabled license plate or placard Click here for the latest City of San Diego information about Balboa Park Parking and how to obtain a parking pass GSDSEF volunteers do not qualify for the "Balboa Park Volunteer" free parking category The Upper Inspiration Point lot is the closest to the BPAC

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

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

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 Fair 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 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held this year at the Balboa Park Activity Center, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 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

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!!

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.

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

Information GSDSEF / ISEF Rules and Regulations The GSDSEF is an affiliated fair of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and its parent organization, the Society for Science. Per the Society's Affiliated Fair Guidelines , this includes the requirement that the GSDSEF will "operate under the ISEF Rules and Guidelines and ensure that students and teachers are aware of these requirements as they begin research projects." All students who develop a project for the GSDSEF must read and comply with all Rules and Regulations in this document. Parents, teachers, and adult supervisors must also read and understand these rules and regulations. Below is an eligibility and participation overview, as well as the GSDSEF ETHICS STATEMENT , ISEF RULES , and ADDITIONAL GSDSEF RULES . 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 into the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). Team projects of not more than two students are permitted, and there is no requirement for participation in or qualification from a school or school district science fair. DIVISIONS Junior -- students in grades 6 through 8 (both students, for team projects) Senior -- students in grades 9 through 12 (both students, for team projects) Click here for details about how to participate in the GSDSEF . To summarize, students must: identify a teacher to oversee their project (an adult sponsor , as defined in the ISEF rules for Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults), and ask them to create an account for your project on the projects.gsdsef.org website (for team projects, both students must have an account created for them); complete a Review process by the GSDSEF SRC (Scientific Review Committee), where their project is reviewed for safety and other compliance with GSDSEF and ISEF rules; complete a Screening process to be accepted into the Fair, by uploading a digital overview of their completed project which is then reviewed by the SRC for quality; complete a Registration process to finalize their participation in the Fair, including uploading a final digital version of their project on the gsdsef.zfairs.com website; and participate in all required Fair Week activities, including setting up their project, attending judging sessions, and removing their project (attendance at the Awards Ceremony is also strongly encouraged). 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. The Society for Science 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 beyond those of ISEF ( see below ). 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 the ISEF Rules and Guidelines 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. In addition to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines, GSDSEF: reserves the right to decline any project it deems unsafe prohibits projects involving tobacco; tobacco products; smokeless powder; black powder; explosives; and the manufacture or production of rocket fuel and/or alcohol/other intoxicants or gasohol prohibits students from loading or reloading any ammunition requires any project in which anything is burned to complete a Hazards Form For questions about GSDSEF Rules, please contact Steve Rodecker, steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org

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

SLB About The 2026-2027 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).

Information 2027 GSDSEF Schedule The 2027 GSDSEF will be 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: 2026-27 Participation Process Overview Student Account Creation Deadline 2026-2027 SRC Deadline – Safety Check 2027 Quality Screening Deadlines 2027 Application (Tab 8) & Payment Deadline 2027 zFairs Deadlines 2027 GSDSEF Fair Week Dates 2026-27 Participation Process Overview See specific dates below for the following three general stages of participation: August 2026 - January 2027 : Go through SRC Review (Scientific Review Committee – Safety Check), Work on Project, and go through Quality Screening February 2027 : After passing Quality Screening: complete application and payment in order to be accepted into the Fair March 2027 : After being accepted into the Fair: participate in Fair Week, including project setup, judging, awards ceremony, and project pickup For details, go to: How to Participate Student Account Creation Deadline December 7, 2026, 11:59pm – Last day to create a student account 2026-2027 SRC Deadline – Safety Check December 9, 2026, 11:59pm – Last day to submit SRC (Scientific Review Committee) information for safety approval. All projects must comply with the GSDSEF and ISEF Rules & Regulations . The window to submit SRC information is August 1 - December 9, 2026 . The earlier you get your project proposal approved through SRC, the earlier you can start on your project. All projects (including re-submissions) must have SRC safety approval by December 14, 2026 , in order to move on. 2027 Quality Screening Deadlines Once a project is completed, it must pass Quality Screening before it can be accepted into the GSDSEF. Quality Screening requires your timely submission of Digital Presentation slides that follow the GSDSEF template. You are strongly encouraged to submit your Digital Presentation earlier than the deadline for your school grade : January 15, 2027 – 6th and 7th grade Digital Presentation submissions due January 22, 2027 – 8th grade Digital Presentation submissions due February 1, 2027 – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Digital Presentation submissions due Digital Presentation submissions may be returned to a student for necessary corrections or clarifications in order to meet GSDSEF Quality standards. After making any required corrections or clarifications, the student must resubmit their Digital Presentation for final Quality Screening. February 12, 2027, 11:59pm – all Digital Presentation resubmissions due (ONLY required if your initial Quality Screening result was "Needs Modifications") NOTE: AFTER FEBRUARY 12TH, ANY PROJECT THAT STILL REQUIRES A DIGITAL PRESENTATION SUBMISSION OR RESUBMISSION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO THE GSDSEF, BECAUSE IT HAS NOT PASSED QUALITY SCREENING 2027 Application (Tab 8) & Payment Deadline February 19, 2027, 11:59pm – all GSDSEF Applications and Payments are due NOTE: AFTER FEBRUARY 19, ANY PROJECT WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION AND PAYMENT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO THE GSDSEF (FOR TEAM PROJECTS, THE APPLICATION AND PAYMENT MUST BE COMPLETED BY BOTH STUDENTS BEFORE THIS DEADLINE) 2027 zFairs Deadlines zFairs is a separate website from the one used above during project registration, SRC safety approval, Quality Screening, Application, and Payment. Each project accepted into the GSDSEF is required to upload project information into zFairs, so that: GSDSEF staff can assign projects to judging teams judges can preview your project prior to the Fair students can self-nominate their project for Special Awards February 22, 2027 – Students whose projects have been accepted into the Fair will receive an email from zFairs with their account information, so they can log in, complete their zFairs profile, and upload PDFs of their Notebook and Judging Digital Presentation (slides, similar to the Quality Screening slides submitted previously, but following a different template). These two PDFs must be uploaded for all projects . February 26, 2027, 11:59pm – all zFairs account profile completions, Judging Digital Presentation PDF uploads, and Notebook PDF uploads due. You are strongly encouraged to complete your zFairs uploads earlier than this deadline. 2027 GSDSEF Fair Week Dates March 8-14, 2027, at the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) Monday, March 8, 2027 10am-5pm – Fair Setup Tuesday, March 9, 2027 8am-1pm – Fair Setup 1-7pm – Student project setup at the BPAC – Bring your Backboard Display , Notebook , any display items , and a chair . All display items must be safety screened and approved in order for the items to be displayed. Before you leave, be sure to pick up your exhibitor badge . Note: after approval, valuable items such as laptops may be brought home, but remember to bring them with you again the next morning! Wednesday, March 10, 2027 7:15-8:00am – Student dropoff at the BPAC Bring your badge, a lunch, and a chair if not already brought! 8:00-11:30am – Category Awards Judging 11:30am-12:00pm – Student Lunch 12:00-2:00pm – Special Awards Judging 12:30-3:00pm – Grand Awards Judging 3:00-3:30pm – Student pickup Thursday, March 11, 2027 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 12, 2027 BPAC closed to the public. Open for student tours 10am-2pm. Reservation information will be sent out to teachers/advisors. Saturday, March 13, 2027 10am-1pm – BPAC open to public to view projects. 1-3pm – Project pickup Sunday, March 14, 2027 10am-1pm – Project pickup – all projects remaining after 1pm will be disposed of 1-6pm – BPAC Cleanup

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