How to Science Fair

Click on each step to learn more!

Check out our video on GETTING STARTED
Decide if you will be working by yourself or as a team of up to three and begin to identify your teachers, mentors, parents, and other adults that will be involved.
Begin narrowing down your interests for a science fair project and start learning more about your topic and field of study.
- There are resources on the STUDENTS page for selecting a topic.
- Check out the 2022 DMRSEF SHOWCASE or the ISEF PROJECT DATABASE for inspiration.
Familiarize yourself with the ISEF RULE BOOK before deciding on a project.
Talk to subject matter experts. Reach out to the DMRSEF team if you need help locating an expert or mentor.

Join our MONTHLY NEWSLETTER for updates from the team.
Attend a DMRSEF Season Kickoff event
Sign up to participate at the fair, you do not need a completed project to register!
Check out our pre-season events for help along the way.
- Attend Speak With a Scientist programs to meet cool mentors and get project inspiration.
- Join us for Science Fair Q&A programs with any questions or ideas you might have. DMRSEF staff can help you with paperwork, project plans, resources, etc.

Write your research plan.
Start your paperwork (Some forms must be completed prior to the start of experimentation!)
- All forms can be found on the FORMS AND RULES page.
- Use the ISEF RULES WIZARD to determine which forms your project requires.
- THIS PLAYLIST walks you through completing your paperwork in short videos.
Gather your materials.
Conduct your experiment.
Take good notes as you go, including pictures and videos of your experiment and procedures.
Complete your experiment/design procedures.
- Check out this video on DOING YOUR EXPERIMENT

Be sure to complete and double-check your paperwork.
- Keep an eye out for pre-season events designed to help with this process!
Determine the proper category for your project.
- Check out our COMPLETE CATEGORY GUIDE
- Our regional SRC will verify this is the right selection when reviewing your project submission.
Submit your project details and paperwork to DMRSEF!

Familiarize yourself with virtual and in-person display and safety regulations.
Check out the 2024 STUDENT MATERIALS GUIDE for all guidelines regarding your virtual and physical materials.
Begin creating virtual AND physical display materials.
- Check out our video on PREPARING YOUR POSTER (virtual)
- THIS PLAYLIST includes recordings of last year's virtual help sessions.
Attend DMRSEF Competition Ready Series SciComm events and workshops to help prepare your materials.
Practice presenting and answering questions, stay familiar with your project.
- Check out our video on JUDGE INTERVIEWS
Work with the SRC to correct any errors in your project/paperwork submission.
Keep an eye on your inbox for Display and Safety approval or corrections needed on your virtual display materials.