(used with QR code poster for Fair Week reminders) Important Student Reminders Remember on Tues-Wed March 17-18: Badges can be picked up once you have completed your Secondary Size & Safety check T-shirts (if you ordered one) can be picked up near the check-in table inside the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC). Wednesday you will need to be dropped off between 7:15 and 8:00 AM Line up on the north side (close to Park Blvd) of the BPAC before 8:00.You will be allowed in exactly at 8:00. Proceed to your project and get ready for judging, which starts at 8:15. Dismissal/Pickup on Wednesday is between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. Remember to bring your lunch as there is nothing to buy here! A water bottle with a screw on cap is also fine to bring You can bring a chair, and quiet things to do such as a book, homework, cards. If you are bringing home parts of your project overnight, you need to have them approved in the Size and Safety tent outside (to get a green re-entry sticker for each item) and bring them in the morning.

Early 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 extended to any student in grades 7 through 12 in a public, private, or parochial school in San Diego County. [Nowadays, entrants from grades 6 through 8 compose the junior division, and entrants from grades 9 through 12 compose the senior division] 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." Inspirational…motivational…transformative… For over 60 years, the GSDSEF has been encouraging young minds in their pursuits that will define the next generation of scientific thought, discovery, and innovation. Pres.Obama speaks with Eric Chen about his project on influenza treatments 2014 (photo: Reuters - 27 May,'14) Robert Gonset, 14 designs a lie detector for the 1961 GSDSEF (SDUT)

The GSDSEF Fair Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Management Committee are all volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair each year.

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

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.

The 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 72nd Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA. Click here for the GSDSEF press release about prize money awarded, top winners, Fair history, and more. Click here for the Fair Directory, Category and Special Awards listings, and Awards Ceremony program and slides.

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

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 DONATE TO THE GSDSEF Donate Donate 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

Information Definitions of SRC Review and Quality Screening What is SRC Review? During the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) review, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if safe scientific and engineering practices will be followed, as well as compliance with all GSDSEF and ISEF Rules and Regulations . You must have approval from the SRC BEFORE you start your project. What is Quality Screening? During quality screening, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if correct scientific and engineering practices have been followed, as well as compliance with all GSDSEF and ISEF Rules and Regulations . Quality Screening approval is required AFTER you complete your project. For further information, see the How To Participate and Schedule pages on this website.

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The purpose of the following template is to assist you in writing your accessibility statement. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your site's statement meets the requirements of the local law in your area or region. *Note: This page currently has several sections. Once you complete editing the Accessibility Statement below, you need to delete this section. To learn more about this, check out our article “ Accessibility: Adding an Accessibility Statement to Your Site ”. Accessibility Statement This statement was last updated on [enter relevant date] . We at [enter organization / business name] are working to make our site [enter site name and address] accessible to people with disabilities. WHAT WEB ACCESSIBILITY IS An accessible site allows visitors with disabilities to browse the site with the same or a similar level of ease and enjoyment as other visitors. This can be achieved with the capabilities of the system on which the site is operating, and through assistive technologies. ACCESSIBILITY ADJUSTMENTS ON THIS SITE We have adapted this site in accordance with WCAG [2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 - select relevant option] guidelines, and have made the site accessible to the level of [A / AA / AAA - select relevant option] . This site's contents have been adapted to work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard use. As part of this effort, we have also [remove irrelevant information] : Used the Accessibility Wizard to find and fix potential accessibility issues Set the language of the site Set the content order of the site’s pages Defined clear heading structures on all of the site’s pages Added alternative text to images Implemented color combinations that meet the required color contrast Reduced the use of motion on the site Ensured all videos, audio, and files on the site are accessible DECLARATION OF PARTIAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD DUE TO THIRD-PARTY CONTENT [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] The accessibility of certain pages on the site depend on contents that do not belong to the organization, and instead belong to [enter relevant third-party name] . The following pages are affected by this: [list the URLs of the pages] . We therefore declare partial compliance with the standard for these pages. ACCESSIBILITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE ORGANIZATION [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] [Enter a description of the accessibility arrangements in the physical offices / branches of your site's organization or business. The description can include all current accessibility arrangements - starting from the beginning of the service (e.g., the parking lot and / or public transportation stations) to the end (such as the service desk, restaurant table, classroom etc.). It is also required to specify any additional accessibility arrangements, such as disabled services and their location, and accessibility accessories (e.g. in audio inductions and elevators) available for use] REQUESTS, ISSUES, AND SUGGESTIONS If you find an accessibility issue on the site, or if you require further assistance, you are welcome to contact us through the organization's accessibility coordinator: [Name of the accessibility coordinator] [Telephone number of the accessibility coordinator] [Email address of the accessibility coordinator] [Enter any additional contact details if relevant / available]

[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