Junior/Senior Division: February 13, 2026
Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair
Do not hesitate to reach out to us on CBScienceFair@tamucc.edu if you have questions or need help with regional registration or Scienteer project entries. Parents and teachers are welcome to contact us directly as well.
Download the project guide (pdf)
Students who advance to the state science fair will additionally be asked to submit a virtual project board.
*All 6-12 projects must be approved in STEM Wizard before the Regional Fair date or risk being disqualified.
Students who have advanced to the Regional Fair and are in grades 6-12 MUST enter project information on STEM Wizard. This information is crucial and serves as a scientific project report. Before projects are accepted into the regional fair, they will be reviewed and approved through STEM Wizard.
Teachers should support students during this process. We have created a project report template (docx) that students can use for organization before they begin on STEM Wizard.
To begin, click the STEM Wizard link. After the student has set up the account, they will select their teacher and can begin entering their project report.
In addition to entering the project report on STEM Wizard, ALL students MUST register for the Fair using a different link, which is provided by the teacher. Failure to complete either part will result in the student not being able to participate on the fair. We have created this STEM Wizard registration help guide (pdf) to help in the process.
You can also reach us through CBsciencefair@tamucc.edu with your questions.
The safety of humans and animals is of utmost importance. Following safety protocols for performing scientific studies as well as safety for individuals conducting experiments and adherence to ethical issues are key to successful science.
In addition to the project report in STEM Wizard, certain additional scientific forms will need to be filled out and signed by appropriate parties. These forms are dependent on the project and division. Once forms are determined, filled out, and signed, they will be uploaded along with the project report in STEM Wizard.
All forms can be reviewed on the ISEF forms page. Students in grades 6-8 (Junior Division) will use a comprehensive form to begin, and students in grades 9-12 (Senior Division) will complete the same forms seen on ISEF. See our middle school safety consent form for more information.
The following links provide more information about science fair rules and forms.
- Communicating Science video by Dr. Chris Bird (2021 video but still very relevant - don't miss this one!)
- ISEF
- Discovery Education - Science Fair Central
- Science Buddies
- Education.com
- Science Bob
- Project Bibliography Worksheet (pdf)
- Questions Science Fair Judges Could Ask from Science Buddies
In recognition of the value of teamwork, group entries can be entered in the science fair if they follow these guidelines:
- Groups may not exceed three members.
- Judging criteria for group entries will be the same as for individual entries and only one award will be presented to the group.
- Group entries will compete with individual entries in the same grade level.
- Each group member must complete his or her own regional fair registration.
Science fairs are not only a great learning experience, they can help students start thinking about future careers. Educators and parents are key supporters.
While teachers will be available to advise students, the initiative and responsibility belongs to the student. Plagiarism, scientific fraud, and misconduct are not condoned at any level of competition. Projects that are fraudulent or are plagiarized will fail to qualify for competition in local fairs and in the the regional fair.
Every educator and parent involved in the Regional Science Fair should assume the following responsibilities:
- Serve as an advisor to the students
- Recognize the importance of active student involvement
- Be available when needed
- Respect the student's ideas and intelligence
- Encourage students to follow up on their ideas
- Be generous with praise and enthusiasm
- Contact interested scientists or professionals for special equipment or resources as needed
- See that student projects follow guidelines and are submitted at time
Each school should contact parents as early as possible telling them of the Science Fair and explaining how they can help.
Some ways that parents can help their children have a great science fair experience:
- Resource Person: provide expertise on the topic, help find resource information, or provide contact with experts
- Supplies: furnish or locate needed equipment
- Transportation: take students to library, to meet with resource people, or to gather supplies
- Place: provide a garage, plant nursery, or laboratory
- If your student advances to the regional fair, help them complete their individual registration.
NOTE: Participation in the regional science fair is determined by the school district.
If you are not sure if your student is in a school or district that is participating in the regional fair, please contact the science fair coordinator to determine district or school registration. Private school districts fall under the same guidelines as public school districts. Home schools are encouraged to participate.