Science Fair

Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair

CESTEM proudly sponsors the Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair with support from the Chancellor's Office at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Please direct questions regarding the Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair to cestem@uncw.edu or 910-962-3287.

2022 Virtual NC Science and Engineering Fair

The 2022 NC Science and Engineering Fair will again be a virtual event at the regional and state levels. Implications for students, volunteers, judges, and the venues were considered in making the final decisions. Although we had hoped for a “more normal” year, we are excited that we will still be able to celebrate student-led research. We hope that we will be able to gather together for an in-person event in 2023.

Dates:

  • Southeast Regional (Region 2) NC Science and Engineering Fair: February 14-18, 2022 via Zoom.
  • State Fair - Elementary Division: March 25, 2022
  • State Fair - Junior & Senior Divisions: March 26, 2022
  • State Fair - Award Ceremony: March 27, 2022
  • Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair - May 8-13, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia (hybrid)

2022 Virtual Science Fair Documents/Rules:

Instead of preparing back boards, students will submit presentations and quad charts along with their completed ISEF forms (like last year). These materials are provided to the judges in advance of judging. They will be due in STEM Wizard by January 17, 2022.

Project Presentation Guidelines & Templates:
Quad Chart Guidelines & Templates:
NC Official Abstract:
2022 ISEF Forms:

Examples of abstracts, quad charts, and presentations from state fair projects can be found here.

2022 ISEF Rule Book:  https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/international-rules/
ISEF Rules Wizard: https://ruleswizard.societyforscience.org/

2022 Office Hour Sessions:

The NC Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) is offering three Educator Office Hour sessions this fall on October 19, November 1, and November 30. These sessions are appropriate for both those who have historically participated, as well as those who are interested in learning more about supporting student STEM research.

Sign up for 1 or all three! Click HERE to register.

Financial Assistance for Student-led Research Available

Do you know of a student who is interested in conducting research and is in need of financial assistance? NCSFF is offering financial assistance to support student-led research. Funds are limited and are not guaranteed. Funds must be used for research materials or to cover registration fees for science and engineering fair competitions. Interested students can complete this form to apply. The NC Science Fair Foundation will contact the guardian based on the information provided in the form in order to verify the financial need and to discuss the availability of funds.

Science Fair Academy - Science Fair Breakdown Videos

The board of the Science Fair Academy (SFA), a student-run club at Isaac Bear Early College High School that operates primarily as a STEM/Science Fair/Olympiad mentoring club in New Hanover County, realized that there is need for Science & Engineering Fair support.

Under the leadership of Eleanor Meinhold (2020-2021 president) and Andres Valdiri (2021-2022 president), SFA wrote and filmed an eight-part video series that breaks down the Science & Engineering Fair process on a mentor-mentee level. The mentor brings up each step and works with the mentee to develop a project and answer questions, like how the SFA club operates.

The script was built from SFA members’ own experiences and mistakes as Science Fair competitors and mentors. They hope that the series will aid students' understanding of the requirements of the Science & Engineering Fair, the Scientific Method, and build confidence in students that they can do it. The videos serve as a resource for parents, teachers, and students as they embark on the amazing journey that is Science Fair.

Click HERE to view the videos.

Click HERE to read an article about this project in the Watson Chronicle.

2021 State and Beyond Awardees

Congratulations to all participants of the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair state competition (March/April 2021), the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (May 16-21, 2021), and the Broadcom MASTERS Competition (currently ongoing). 

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Curious By Nature - 2021 NC Science Fair Documentary

"With the help of filmmaker Alicia Carter, 'Curious by Nature' takes us on the journey of four students as they compete in the 2021 North Carolina State Science and Engineering Fair during COVID-19. Along the way, we experience firsthand the power of today’s youth to drive meaningful change for the planet and to uplift communities through their curiosity for change. Watch to get inspired."