Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs
Due to an insufficient number of qualifying projects, the 2024 Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (IDSEF) has been cancelled. We are currently working to restructure and improve this program for the future. IDSEF will return for the 2024-2025 school year.
About the Fair
Each spring, the Idaho STEM Action Center and its partners proudly host the Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (IDSEF) for Idaho students in grades 9-12. Participating students engage in original STEM research projects throughout the school year that allow them to explore their interests and learn/implement the same techniques used by scholars in their field. The IDSEF event provides the opportunity for these students to present their findings to the public and a panel of expert judges. A variety of honors and scholarships are awarded each year to recognize students with exceptional research projects.
History
Students with the top projects from around Idaho have had the opportunity to attend/compete at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair. The STEM Action Center and its partners pay all expenses for participants who qualify for the international competition. (Learn more about the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair at https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/)
Since 2017, the Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (IDSEF) has consisted of 3 separate regional competitions: the Northern Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (NISEF), the Western Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (WISEF), and the Eastern Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (EISEF). However, transitions in the program’s structure and staffing have necessitated a change for this year. More information coming soon.
Participant Travel to the Competition
We recognize the importance of increasing accessibility for participants across Idaho and are exploring options to return IDSEF to 3 regional competitions in the future. To support participants in attending this year’s state-wide competition, the STEM AC will cover travel costs and lodging for students and their sponsoring educator in accordance with State of Idaho and STEM AC travel policies. Please contact idsef@stem.idaho.gov for more information. (NOTE: If a team reserves a blocked room for the competition and does not attend, they may be required to reimburse the STEM AC for any costs incurred)
Educators supporting student projects competing in their regional Idaho Science & Engineering Fair may apply for grant funding. Just click the IDSEF Support Sponsorship button above!
STUDENT PROJECT DATES
Zfairs Registration Opens:
TBD
Zfairs Registration Closes:
TBD
Forms Deadline:
TBD
All Materials Deadline:
TBD
Judging Starts:
TBD
Program Manager: Nate Dean
Program Support: Halle Fultz
Registration Information for the 2024 Competition
Students & Teachers
Judges
Judging is an extremely important part of the fair and is one of the most valuable experiences for our students. Do you or others on your team have a background in:
- Animal Science, Biomedical, and/or Microbiology
- Behavioral and/or Social Sciences,
- Earth, Environmental, and/or Plants
- Engineering
- Math, Computer Science, and/or Embedded Systems,
- Physical Sciences (Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Materials, and others)
Qualifications include: MA, MS, or Ph.D. in a related field or BA or BS in the category chosen to judge or in a closely related field, along with three or more years of relevant experience.
Contact: idsef@stem.idaho.gov
Idaho Science and Engineering Fairs Archives
- Paige Lindsley: Grangeville High School
- Cecily Puckett: Kamiah High School
- Lukas Keller: Emmett High School
- Melina Mohammadi: Treasure Valley Math and Science Center
- Hayli Austin and Madisyn Facer: Pocatello High School
- TJ Herndon – Vision Charter Academy
- Alex Howard – Timberline HS
- Jieyan Wang – Moscow HS
- Kayson Hansen – Twin Falls HS
- Amrit Singh, Grangeville HS
- Kayson and Kylie Hansen, Twin Falls HS
- Brooklyn Legg, Luke Campbell, TJ Herndon, Vision Charter School
- Sriram Gopalakrishnan, Centennial HS
2022
March 17, 2022: Palouse students earn top honors at Northern Idaho science fair
March 14, 2022: Hagerman, Idaho Falls students earn top honors at Eastern Idaho science fair
March 1, 2022: Boise students earn top honors at Western Idaho science fair
2021
April 6, 2021 – Eastern Idaho students earn top honors at Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs
April 6, 2021 – Three North Idaho students earn top honors at Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs
April 6, 2021 – Treasure Valley students earn top honors at Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs
2020
May 15, 2020: Idaho science fair winners attending virtual international event
March 25, 2020: Kamiah students earn top honors at regional science fair
March 9, 2020: Northern Idaho Science Fair bound for Coeur d’Alene March 13
February 24, 2020: Eastern Idaho Science Fair adds eCYBERMISSION Showcase
February 21, 2020: Western Idaho Science Fair adds eCYBERMISSION Showcase
2019
March 20, 2019: Emmett High School and TVMSC projects earn top honors at third annual Western ISEF