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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

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 - from nonprofits to global corporations - 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, businesses, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, 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. Special Awards by the Numbers Our Special Awards program is a cornerstone of the GSDSEF experience: 60+ sponsoring organizations, including professional societies, businesses, and government agencies. 250+ professional judges representing local and national industries. 200+ unique awards and recognitions. $40,000+ in total prizes and scholarships awarded annually. How Special Awards Work There is no set minimum financial commitment - you have full flexibility to customize your involvement: Define Your Award: You determine the award’s name, field of interest, selection criteria, and the prize. Choose Your Prize: Awards range from formal certificates and branded swag to professional event invitations. Monetary awards typically range from $100 to $1,000, though some organizations choose to sponsor immersive experiences. Select Your Winners: You can send your own representatives to judge on-site or have the GSDSEF select winners based on your specific criteria. Celebrate Achievement: Awardees are recognized during the GSDSEF Awards Ceremony, and sponsors receive contact information to follow up with their winners directly. Become a Sponsor We welcome participation from industry organizations, professional societies, nonprofits, startups, and academic institutions. Help us inspire the next generation of leaders in science and innovation. Ready to get started? If you are interested in sponsoring an award, please contact our Special Awards Coordinator: Sejal Pabari | specialawards@gsdsef.org

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

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

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!!

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Studies that primarily focus on the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics as they relate to biological systems. This includes the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological, behavior, and social systems. Subcategories: Computational Biomodeling Computational Epidemiology Computational Evolutionary Biology Computational Neuroscience Computational Pharmacology Genomics Other/Multiple Computational Biomodeling : Studies that involve computer simulations of biological systems most commonly with a goal of understanding how cells or organism develop, work collectively and survive. Computational Epidemiology: The study of disease frequency and distribution, and risk factors and socioeconomic determinants of health within populations. Such studies may include gathering information to confirm existence of disease outbreaks, developing case definitions and analyzing epidemic data, establishing disease surveillance, and implementing methods of disease prevention and control. Computational Evolutionary Biology : A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to explore the processes of change in populations of organisms, especially taxonomy, paleontology, ethology, population genetics and ecology. Computational Neuroscience: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to understand brain function in terms of the information processing properties of the structures that make up the nervous system. Computational Pharmacology: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to predict and analyze the responses to drugs. Genomics: The study of the function and structure of genomes using recombinant DNA, sequencing, and bioinformatics. Other/Multiple: Studies in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE Calendar and Schedule (NOT IN USE) JAN 2026 2 Student Registration Begins MAR 2026 12 Application Payments Required.

Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin another name Management Committee Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Sany Zakharia, GSDSEF Treasurer/Fundraiser Officers *Board Members Emeritus* Phil Gay Wendy Gay Student Leadership Board Management Committee Member Arnav Dagar, SLB President Board of Directors Meeting Dates TBD Liaisons Mrs. Shirley Miranda, San Diego City Schools, Liaison to the California Science and Engineering Fair Mr. John Spiegel, San Diego County Office of Education Liaison The Management Committee is a group of volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair.

Mathematics The study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. The deductive study of numbers, geometry, and various abstract constructs, or structures. Subcategories: Algebra Analysis Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Game Theory Geometry and Topology Number Theory Probability and Statistics Other/Multiple Algebra: The study of algebraic operations and/or relations and the structures which arise from them. An example is given by (systems of) equations which involve polynomial functions of one or more variables. Analysis: The study of infinitesimal processes in mathematics, typically involving the concept of a limit. This begins with differential and integral calculus, for functions of one or several variables, and includes differential equations. Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Game Theory: The study of combinatorial structures in mathematics, such as finite sets, graphs, and games, often with a view toward classification and/or enumeration. Geometry and Topology: The study of the shape, size, and other properties of figures and spaces. Includes such subjects as Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean geometries (spherical, hyperbolic, Riemannian, Lorentzian), and knot theory (classification of knots in 3-space). Number Theory: The study of the arithmetic properties of integers and related topics such as cryptography. Probability and Statistics: Mathematical study of random phenomena and the study of statistical tools used to analyze and interpret data. Other/Multiple: Studies in Mathematics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

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

Physics & Astronomy Physics is the science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two. Astronomy is the study of anything in the universe beyond the Earth. Subcategories: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Astronomy and Cosmology Biological Physics Condensed Matter and Materials Mechanics Nuclear and Particle Physics Theoretical, Computational, and Quantum Physics Other/Multiple Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics: The study of atoms, simple molecules, electrons, light, and their interactions. Projects studying non-solid-state lasers and masers also belong in this subcategory. Astronomy and Cosmology: The study of space, the universe as a whole, including its origins and evolution, the physical properties of objects in space and computational astronomy. Biological Physics: The study of the physics of biological processes and systems. Condensed Matter and Materials: The study of the properties of solids and liquids. Topics such as superconductivity, semi-conductors, complex fluids, and thin films are studied. Mechanics: Classical physics and mechanics, including the macroscopic study of forces, vibrations and flows; on solid, liquid and gaseous materials. Projects studying aerodynamics or hydrodynamics also belong in this subcategory. Nuclear and Particle Physics: The study of the physical properties of the atomic nucleus and of fundamental particles and the forces of their interaction. Projects developing particle detectors also belong in this subcategory. Theoretical, Computational, and Quantum Physics: The study of nature, phenomena and the laws of physics employing mathematical or computational methods rather than experimental processes. Other/Multiple: Studies in Physics and/or Astronomy that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category