Getting Started
Congratulations on taking the first step towards science research!
Find a Sponsor
Before you start your research and experimentation, you will need to identify an Adult Sponsor. This can be a teacher, parent, STEM professional or any other adult that is willing to support your work and ensure that you adhere to all rules and regulations.
Your Adult Sponsor will also assist you in completing the required paperwork. This page will link you with the ISEF forms.
Locate and Contact Your Local Regional Fair
Once you have an Adult Sponsor, you will need to locate and contact the appropriate fair directors. This may start with a school or district science fair, or directly with one of our regional fairs. Each of our regional fairs supports the districts in their geographical area, so you will compete in the fair in which your school is located. Be sure to meet all deadlines for your regional fair! Click on the map to the right for the Regional Fair dates and contact information.
Research and Experimentation
AFTER you have secured an Adult Sponsor, completed the required ISEF forms, and contacted the school or regional fair director, you can begin your research and experimentation.
Be sure to follow all ISEF rules and regulations for safety and display. Failure to do so may prevent you from competing in the fairs.
Compete in Your Local Regional Competition
Students must compete in their Local Regional Fair BEFORE they are eligible to advance to the Delaware Valley Science Fair, and no students will be accepted from outside of the DVSF area.
High school students at each grade level (9-12) competing in individual categories must place in the top three in order to be elibigle for DVSF. High school teams is its own category and the top three teams are also eligible to move on to DVSF. Students in grades 6-8 compete in the Middle School level and must place first or second in their category, including teams, to advance.