Helpful Logistical Resources for Science and Engineering Fairs
Generally, these resources best fit a traditional science and engineering fair, though some can be used across different showcase formats:- Rubrics, scoring, and judging support
- Overviews of events - timelines and packets outlining the process
- Student guidelines - display, rules, and safety
- Mentors and connections to STEM professionals
- Useful articles and research on science and engineering fairs
Rubrics, Scoring, and Judging Support
- Project rubric example 1
- Project rubric example 2
- Annotated student paper - guidelines from Purdue on how to properly format a research paper or essay
- Letter to judges
- Judging Considerations - advice to judges
- Score recording form for organizers
- Judge orientation power point presentation
Overviews of events - timelines and packets outlining the process
- Overview of logistical considerations
- Key questions to consider when starting a science and engineering fair
- Timeline Idea
- Lodi Student Packet for their STEM/STEAM Fair
- Details about ISEF - links to the rules, abstracts, FAQs, etc. from this internation competition
Student Guidelines - Displays, Rules, and Safety
- BSSEF student display and safety guidelines
- BSSEF Junior High Fair form with guidelines for safety, integrity and ethical work
- ISEF Project Rules - these rules may be more extensive than needed for a local fair, but they provide a starting point and do apply to Wisconsin ISEF affiliate fairs like CSEF and BSSEF.
Mentors and Connections to STEM Professionals
- Thank you letter to sponsors - Once you've built up relationships with local businesses and professionals through having them work as a judge, mentor, or presenter at a STEM Night/Fair, you might ask them to be more direct sponsors.
- UW-Madison Speakers Bureau - This website provides a listing of UW-Madison faculty and staff who can speak at events and potentially answer students' questions, but local universities, colleges, UW Extension offices, DNR offices, and businesses tend to be best
- Wisconsin Inspire Leads - Click on your region to find contacts across the state supporting economic development and the Inspire program that's part of Academic and Career Planning. They can help you connect to local businesses that may have mentors available.
- Science Buddies - Generally, I would not have students use these ideas, but they can be connected to an "expert" through this organization to support their project.
Useful Articles and Research on Science and Engineering Fairs
- Research article on the history and importance of Science and Engineering Fairs - by Gary Stresman, Director of BSSEF
- Science Fairs under the 'Scope - A research study looking at the effectiveness of science fairs.
- Reimagining the School Science Fair - from Make magazine, working to have students create instead of regurgitate.