SOUTHERN COLORADO REGIONAL Science & engineering Fair

WELCOME MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND TEACHERS

OF PUEBLO, FREMONT, AND CUSTER COUNTIES!

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Competing in the Regional Science & Engineering Fair involves following specific rules and submitting documentation paperwork. This is because our Regional Fair is affiliated with the Colorado State Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). When designing your project, you may choose to use the Scientific Method (research a question and test your hypothesis) OR engage in the Engineering Design Process (define and solve a problem). 

Step 1: REVIEW STEM FAIR INFORMATION/RULES

Read the Science & Engineering Fair Info slideshow. Design your project starting with a Research Question and Hypothesis. 

Step 2: DESIGN YOUR PROJECT (PRIOR TO REGISTERING ON MYSCIFAIR)

• Does your project involve "sensitive subjects?" If yes, you will need to read additional rules below and have preapproval of your project design BEFORE you begin experimentation.

  • • • HUMAN PARTICIPANTS

        • ISEF rules

        • Risk Assessment Guide

        • Additional paperwork: Human Participants Form (4), possibly Human Informed Consent Form and/or Qualified Scientist Form (2)

      • VERTEBRATE ANIMALS

        • ISEF rules

        • Additional paperwork: Vertebrate Form (5A), and/or Vertebrate Form (5B), and/or Qualified Scientist Form (2)

      • POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

        • ISEF rules

        • Additional paperwork: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form (6A), Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B), and/or Qualified Scientist Form (2)

      • HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, ACTIVITIES, AND DEVICES

        • ISEF rules

        • Additional paperwork: possibly  Qualified Scientist Form (2)

Email mary.jose@pueblod60.org for support or use this paperwork flowchart document with videos to support you. The SRC will review "sensitive subject" paperwork once a month. Deadlines are October 1st, November 1st, and December 1st or by appointment.

Step 3: REGISTER YOUR PROJECT ON THE MYSCIFAIR WEBSITE BY GOING TO THE REGISTRATION PAGE (OPENS OCTOBER 1st)

A. Create a student account on https://myscifair.com/

• PDF directions

• Video walkthrough (20 minutes, covers entire registration process)

• Make sure you have an email ready for your teacher and a guardian

B. Create your project in the student dashboard 

2. • Be sure you have a detailed, complete, research plan to upload

   • You will be asked about your project and assigned the necessary forms through the website

   • You should create a digital presentation to upload in the "additional materials"

   • All paperwork will be completed and signed electronically

C. Complete assigned paperwork and complete your project

The MySciFair website will generate a list of forms needed based on your project type and host all paperwork electronically.

You will need information for AT LEAST the following 5 items before experimentation begins:

• •  Research Plan

  •  Student Checklist (1A)

  • Risk Assessment Form (3)

  • Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)

  • Approval Form (1B) 

  • Preapproval forms may be requested by MySciFair (Refer to Step 2 above)

Step 4: COMPLETE YOUR EXPERIMENT/PROJECT

Some schools plan to offer work time in class or afterschool STEM clubs to meet and work on these projects. Otherwise, projects will be completed at home under supervision of a guardian. The images at the bottom of the page link to resources to guide you through the process. Student journals are not required but are helpful step by step guides. You may also choose to use a digital poster if preferred. 

Step 5: (Optional) COMPETE AT YOUR SCHOOL LEVEL FAIR/WORK WITH YOUR SCIENCE TEACHER

Students compete at school based science fairs. Schools should nominate their top projects for the Regional competition. No more than 20 projects per school may register. You may enter the Regional Fair without competing at another fair. 

DEADLINES:

All paperwork is due Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.

Digital presentations are due early February. (Official date TBD)

Help with paperwork is available BEFORE the deadline. No registrations without paperwork will be accepted.