General FAQs & Info Links

Following are frequently asked questions regarding the WSSEF

Where can I get the latest WSSEF flyer?

Click here to download the PDF version of the flyer.

When can we set up our display?

Grades 1 to 8 Individual  and Team Projects

Registration is Friday 9:00 am to 10:30 am.  All projects in Grades 1 – 8 must be registered (checked in) by 10:30 am and have the project set-up by 11:00 am.  The display area will be closed between 11:15 – 11:45 am for the judges to view projects without students. 

Students, parents, teachers and the general public attend the orientation in the auditorium during this time.  Valuable information on how the Fair is shared at this time.

 

Grades 9 to 12 Individual and Team Projects –

Early Registration is Friday 7:00 pm ~ SRC review available.

Registration opens Saturday 7:30 – 8:45 am.  All projects in Grades 9 – 12 must be registered (checked in) and have the project set-up by Saturday morning at 9:00 am. The display area will be closed on Saturday between 9:00 – 9:30 am for the judges to view projects without students. 

Students, parents, teachers and the general public attend the orientation in the auditorium during this time.  Valuable information on how the Fair is shared at this time.

 

When does judging start?

Grades 1 to 8 Individual  and Team Projects

Friday 12:00 p.m.

 

Grades 9 to 12 Individual and Team Projects –

Saturday 9:45 a.m.

When does judging end?

This is a hard question to answer. We try to be completed with judging by 4:45 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. Saturday. However, our success is dependent on two factors. The first is the number of entries and the second is the number of judges. When every entry in a category has been judged, an announcement will be made releasing that category. Every attempt is made to judge and release the younger students first on Friday night.

How many judges will there be?

Judges will interview every student at least once.  Judges attend a training session prior to judging day.  Additionally, special award judges will interview students with projects that meet the sponsor’s special award criteria. 

 

Do I have to stay by my project after I’ve talked to the judges?

Yes! It is very important to stay with your exhibit until your category or grade is released. Besides the WSSEF judges, there are a number of other judging teams that may judge you. The WSSEF judging team may also come back and ask additional questions.

When can I pick up my project?

Projects grades 1-8 are removed Friday at 4:45 – 5:30 pm following judging.  Projects grades 9-12 are removed Saturday at 5:30 – 6:00 pm following judging.  If for some reason you cannot be there to pick up your exhibit, the Fair asks you to make arrangements with a classmate or friend.  Exhibits left behind will be considered abandoned and disposed of accordingly.

Why can’t I have plants, animals, food, soil, or water as part of my science project exhibit?

These items and others are prohibited by the International Science and Engineering Fair rules, which WSSEF also follows.  For specific prohibitions and other exhibit requirements view the Safety and Display Information HERE and the Updated Fair Rules and Regulations HERE.

How do I become a judge?

Every year the WSSEF faces the challenge to get qualified judges.  If you are interested in judging, please review the Judges’ information page.  Other questions?  Contact Head Judge.

I don’t want to judge; can I still volunteer?

Being entirely a volunteer organization, the WSSEF depends heavily on volunteers prior to and during the fair.

Volunteer opportunities available during the fair are check-in table, registration, project safety and display, building security, runner and answer desk.

Volunteers are needed now to assist with the planning, student registration, data management, public relations, preparing media releases and news articles, fundraising and more …  Please, contact us today and join the WSSEF team!  The students need us!

For more information, please see the Volunteers page.  Specific questions?  Contact: volunteers@wssef.org

How can I create an award or make a donation?

Your special student award donation, sponsorship and continued support is important.  The WSSEF does NOT receive state funding, school education funds or other subsidies.  WSSEF depends solely on your donations.

Your generous tax-deductible donations are 100% dedicated to supporting the students, the WSSEF and are greatly appreciated.

Please prepare the WSSEF Student Special Award donor form or view the Sponsors page.

Questions?  Contact Special Awards at: awards@wssef.org or Sponsors at:  sponsors@wssef.org

I have further questions, who do I contact?

Need more info?  Contact: info@wssef.org  or  check out the direct links on the Contacts Page.

How do I get entry forms?

Please go to Registration, Informaton and Forms and follow the instructions.  If you have any problems please contact registration@wssef.org.