About the Western MN Regional Science Fair

The Western Minnesota Regional Science Fair is held at the University of Minnesota Crookston in late February each year.  Approximately 50 to 100 students from our 14 county region (Polk, Norman, Mahnomen, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Ottertail, Todd, Traverse, Grant, Douglas, Big Stone, Stevens, Pope) compete, and about 20 students with poster presentations and are selected to advance to the State Science Fair. Because our fair is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair, the forms required for our fair are the same as those used for the International Science Fair, along with a cover sheet. The submission deadline is typically 7-10 days before the fair is needed to allow the program to be written, and the projects reviewed by the Scientific Review Committee. 

Minnesota State Science Fair

The Minnesota State Science Fair brings together the top middle and high school science fair students from the 7 regions within the state.  Students may present a poster or submit their research paper and give an oral presentation of their written paper, again, expanding their experience. Students present original research to STEM professionals and compete for prestigious awards. Top students are selected to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair.

International Science and Engineering Fair

The ISEF, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, annually provides a forum for more than 1,500 high school students from over 40 countries to showcase their independent research.  High school student projects from each region advance directly, as well as those selected to advance from the state competition.  Participants in the ISEF meet many other students with new ideas and similar interests.  They are exposed to a wonderful array of new experiences with tours, presentations and other fun activities.