Most applicants - and their parents - have lots of questions about the Fair. We'd like to answer a few which come up every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should the display consist of? What should not be included?

2. What should I wear?

3. Is food provided?

4. What happens during judging?

5. Are souvenirs available?

6. How much time should an exhibitor spend at the Fair? When must he/she be there?

7. Can I take my project down before Saturday at 5:00 pm?

8. Where can a student get additional fair information or project advice?

9. Who runs the Science Fair?

10. Are there other science fairs or contests to enter?

Question:  What should the display consist of? What should not be included?

Answer:  See the Rules and Regulations.  As for the no-no's, anything potentially dangerous (hypodermic needles, disease organisms, etc.), anything of great monetary value (the guards can't be everywhere at once and the building is open to the public), anything large enough to infringe on another exhibitor's space (we just manage to crowd everybody in now) and live animals (It's against regulations and, while we're on the subject, be sure you are complying with the instructions regarding the use of live animals in projects as well as the specific rules regarding hazardous substances and devices, vertebrate tissues and human subjects, too! 

Question:  What should I wear?
Answer:  Friday - Registration & Set-up - Casual Attire.
Saturday - Judging and Awards Ceremony - Casual Attire.

Question:  Is food provided?
Answer:  Lunch is provided on Saturday -- Judging Day.

Question:  What happens during judging?
Answer:  Reminder: Students ONLY during Judging -- NO parents, teachers, etc.  There are usually as many judges as there are exhibitors.

Students should be prepared to explain their projects and/or to answer questions about it. This could involve giving a brief presentation in response to the question, "What did you do?" It can be helpful to outline a possible presentation in advance but don't memorize or read a set speech. Graphs, pictures and models can be helpful in explaining the more complicated aspects of a project. A couple of hints - 1) don't be afraid to say "I don't know" (In other words, don't try to fake it!) and 2) Relax! NOTE: Many judges study project reports before students arrive or after they leave.

Question:  Are souvenirs available?
Answer:  Yes. T-shirts and commemorative pins will be provided to all participants.

Question:  How much time should an exhibitor spend at the Fair? When must he/she be there?
Answer:  There are only three times when an exhibitor MUST be there:

1. Friday -- to set up the display (between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.) Bring any tools needed and, if required, an extension cord (MUST be three-pronged).

2. Saturday -- for judging (from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m.) and to take the board down (at 6 p.m.).

3. Most exciting of all, there's the Awards Ceremony (Saturday at Rosemont High School, when the winners are announced).

   It is also highly recommended that students return to their projects after lunch (2 p.m.) for sweepstakes judging.

Question:  Can I take my project down before Saturday?
Answer:  NO! By signing the application for entrance to the Fair, you agree to have your project up for public display until Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. There are no exceptions! If you cannot take down your project between 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008, please have a classmate, teacher or other responsible party take charge of it.

Question:  Where can a student get additional fair information or project advice?
Answer:  Check out the Links and Resources page. Please don't hesitate to e-mail or call us at (916) 441-3150.

Question:  Who runs the Science Fair?
Answer:  The Sacramento Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a non-profit organization composed of people from throughout the Sacramento valley. We are teachers, administrators, business people, scientists, etc. -- all dedicated to the promotion of student science research and the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers. This year's sponsors include Intel Corporation, the California Association of Professional Scientists, and Professional Engineers in California Government, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group & Gencorp.

Question:  Are there other science fairs or contests to enter?
Answer:  Yes! Sacramento Regional Science and Engineering Fair sweepstake winners will be sent to the International Science and Engineering Fair and the California State Science Fair. Check with science teachers about competitions such as the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, Intel Science Talent Search and Discovery Young Scientist Challenge contests (to name a few). We urge everyone to apply!

Your cooperation in complying with all regulations and requests will help make the Fair an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for you. If you have any questions contact us at ljohnson@srsef.org or call (916) 441-3150.