top of page

Judges & volunteers needed

Become a judge

Judge for GCRSEF and make students proud of their research!

Community members and STEM professionals serve as judges using criteria modeled after those used at the international science fair (ISEF) to review projects in a specific category and encourage all students for their curiosity and research. These "grand award" judges select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place projects in a certain grade level.

More judging info coming soon

Volunteer

Community members help our event run smoothly! Assist with setup/takedown, ushering, working the registration table, approving projects for display and safety guidelines, etc. Together we can support the next generation of innovators!

Volunteer registration coming soon

What to expect on Fair Day

When

February 2027 (exact date TBD)

Where

Exact Location TBD

Fair Day timeline

  1. Students will check-in and set up their projects for review.

  2. Student will return later for interviews.

  3. Judges will evaluate projects and then interview students.

  4. While judging is being finalized, students and families will spend time participating in STEM activities with local organizations.

  5. The Awards Ceremony will end the day.

​

Exact times TBD

Rules, safety, & resources

We encourage students to follow their curiosities and passions for problem-solving while doing so in a safe and ethical manner. Projects must be approved by an adult supervisor prior to research beginning.

Basic rules for submission

  • Student researchers must live in Coconino, Mohave, or Yavapai county.

  • Projects/student research must have taken place within the last year.

  • Projects may not compete more than once in the same fair. 

  • Projects should explore a research question or explore solving a problem using science and engineering practices.

  • Continuation projects (multi-year projects) must be made clear including what additional research was performed since the previous year.

  • Students must compete only in their current grade level.

  • All students and projects must adhere to the Scientific Integrity policies and Codes of Conduct

  • Students may only submit ONE individual or team (2-3 students) project. They may, however, be a part of a class (4+ students) project in addition to their individual/team project.

  • Class projects are allowed and encouraged at every grade level (including high school) and will compete separately from individual and team projects.

  • Schools holding their own science fairs are encouraged to send the top 30% of projects to GCRSEF.

  • Homeschool students are also permitted to register.

  • All necessary Scientific Research Committee (SRC) forms and human subjects forms (IRB) MUST be completed before starting the project and accompany the completed project presentation.

  • Project must adhere to all Display and Safety Rules.

Full rulebook coming soon

Helpful resources

Society for Science Rules Wizard

Types of projects

Team sizes

Students have the flexibility of performing research indivudually, in teams, or even as a class. Educators may support multiple projects within a classroom or perform research as a whole group, guiding students through science and engineering practices.

​

  • Individual (1 student)

  • Team (2–3 students)

  • Class (4+ students)

Project categories

  • Animal Sciences

  • Behavioral and Social Sciences

  • Biochemistry and Chemistry

  • Biomedical and Health Sciences

  • Earth and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources 

  • Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics

  • Mathematics and Systems Software

  • Microbiology

  • Physics and Astronomy

  • Plant Sciences

Who can participate?

  • Grades 5–12

  • Schools holding science fairs in Coconino, Mohave, and Yavapai counties are encouraged to advance winning projects to GCRSEF.

  • Homeschools welcome

Grand Canyon Regional Science and Engineering Fair

A new regional science fair serving Coconino, Mohave, and Yavapai counties

Beginning in February 2027, GCRSEF (Grand Canyon Regional Science and Engineering Fair) will showcase projects from grades 5–12 in Coconino, Mohave, and Yavapai counties.

​

Winners can qualify for the state competition AzSEF!

Sign up for updates

Stay up to date on registration information and Fair Day details

bottom of page