Below is a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Student FAQ
Who is eligible to compete in DRSEF?
Students in grades 6–12 attending a public, charter, private, or home school within Texas Education Agency (TEA) Region 10 are eligible. Students must first compete at their local school and/or district fair to be advanced to DRSEF.
There are NO grade level exceptions. K-5 students may not compete in the Junior Division. K-8 students may not compete in the Senior Division.
Do I need a Teacher Sponsor to participate?
Yes. All student participants attending a public, private, or charter school are required to have a designated Teacher Sponsor to coordinate forms, approvals, and fair communication. Parents/guardians may only act as the primary sponsor for home-schooled students.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my science project or experiment?
You should always reach out to your Teacher Sponsor or local school science coordinator. Students and parents should not contact DRSEF with questions.
DRSEF administrators oversee fair logistics and Scientific Review Committee (SRC) compliance; we cannot provide direct guidance on individual project research, design, or execution.
Which rules and guidelines does DRSEF follow?
DRSEF operates as an official Regeneron ISEF-affiliated regional fair and strictly adheres to ISEF and Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF) rules, regulations, and safety guidelines.
Please Note: Individual school districts, charter networks, or private schools may enforce local policies that are more restrictive than ISEF or DRSEF rules (such as restrictions on specific hazardous materials, additional IRB approvals, or local team project rules). Students and sponsors must always adhere to their local district/school guidelines in addition to DRSEF requirements.
Can I compete as a team?
Yes. Projects can be conducted by individual students or by teams. Per International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) rules, teams may consist of up to three (3) students.
Are there restrictions on who can be on my team?
All team members must meet general DRSEF eligibility rules. Check with your school or district coordinator regarding local policies on cross-school or cross-district team compositions before beginning your research.
What happens if a teammate cannot attend Fair Day?
Full team attendance is strongly encouraged.
A significant number of points are deducted from a team project if a teammate is not present. DRSEF is one of the most competitive regional fairs in the world; projects with points deducted for a teammate not being in attendance have and extremely low chance of success.
Can we add or remove team members after starting or advancing our project?
No. Once a project has been registered the team composition is fixed. Members cannot be added, removed, or substituted.
What milestones must be completed in the STEM Wizard platform?
To be fully registered, ensure the following milestones are verified:
Project & Student Information: Confirm your contact info, project category, title, and abstract.
Files & Forms: Upload required ISEF paperwork (e.g., Checklist 1A, Research Plan, Form 1B, Form 1C, or Form 7 if applicable).
Additional Submissions for Judges: Upload your Digital Project Board (PDF format, max 5 MB), Approved Abstract, and Research Plan after receiving Regional SRC approval.
Allen, Frisco, and Plano ISD student only: How do I register and know if my project has advanced to DRSEF?
Once your district or school coordinator advances your project to DRSEF, you will receive an email notification. You must then log in to STEM Wizard to complete required registration milestones before the published deadline.
Can I change my project category or title after advancing?
Before the Registration Deadline: Yes, but changing your category requires updating your abstract, research plan, and ISEF forms. You must request a paperwork reset from DRSEF administrators (info@dallassciencefair.org) and resubmit for SRC re-approval.
After the Paperwork Deadline: No changes to categories, titles, or forms are permitted after the posted registration deadline.
How do STEM Wizard Project IDs work across different fair levels (Local, DRSEF, TxSEF)?
Project IDs are unique to each individual fair level in STEM Wizard:
– Local Child Fairs: Districts, schools, or campuses that host local fairs assign their own local Project IDs. When students advance from a local fair to DRSEF in STEM Wizard, the system will assign them a new (different) DRSEF Project ID.
– Direct Regional Entries: Schools or districts that do not host local child fairs enter students directly into DRSEF; these students will only receive a DRSEF Project ID.
– State Advancement (TxSEF): If a student qualifies for TxSEF, state fair administrators will assign them a new TxSEF Project ID for the state competition, replacing their DRSEF ID.
Presentation Materials & Board Formatting: Ensure you remove any local/district IDs from your presentation materials and digital board PDFs, replacing them with your official DRSEF Project ID# before uploading to the “Additional Submissions for Judges” milestone for DRSEF.
Not sure if your school or district hosts a local child fair? Ask your teacher sponsor or school science coordinator! They can confirm whether your project starts at a local fair or enters DRSEF directly.
Are students required to attend the fair in person?
Yes. In-person attendance on fair day is strictly required for category judging. There are no make-up days, remote options, or late arrivals permitted.
What is the schedule for Fair Day?
7:30 AM: Student check-in and hall entry (building doors close at 8:30 AM).
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Category Judging (students must remain by their board the entire morning).
12:00 PM: Category judging ends; students clear the hall for lunch.
1:30 PM: Grand Prize finalists notified by phone.
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Grand Prize Judging interviews.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Hall reopens for project tear-down and board retrieval.
What should I bring (and NOT bring) with me to the fair?
BRING:
– Physical presentation board (required)
– Printed official abstract (required)
– Printed copies of Form 1C/Form 7 (required if applicable)
– Physical prototype or laptop to show prototype video, if needed (must comply with ISEF Display & Safety rules; there is no electrical power or Wi-Fi provided in the hall)
Research notebook/binder
– A mobile phone (used for digital check-in or showing a demonstration video)
– Small personal snacks and water
DO NOT BRING:
– Any prototype materials, liquids, chemicals, or equipment that violate ISEF Display & Safety rules.
Note: Because electrical power and Wi-Fi are not provided in the hall, any working prototype must be non-powered or battery-powered.
Is there a dress code for Fair Day?
While there is no mandatory uniform, students are strongly encouraged to dress in business casual attire (e.g., collared shirts, slacks, dresses, or neat skirts/blouses) to present a professional image to judges. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as students will be standing by their project boards throughout the judging block.
What can I win at DRSEF?
Students may receive cash awards, special awards, and certificates.
Category Awards (1st–4th Place): Evaluated by official DRSEF category judges based on standardized scientific and engineering rubrics. 1st and 2nd place category winners advance to TxSEF and are eligible for DRSEF Grand Prize awards.
Special Awards: Evaluated independently by external professional organizations, industry sponsors, and government agencies according to their own specific organizational criteria. Special awards are judged separately and do not impact category rankings or advancement to state/international fairs.
Top-placing projects earn other advancement opportunities:
Junior Division (Grades 6–8): Top projects earn nominations for national competitions such as the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
Senior Division (Grades 9–12): Top Grand Prize winners earn advancement to represent DRSEF at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Can I appeal or dispute a judge’s decision or project placement?
No. All judging decisions, rankings, special awards, and final project placements are final. DRSEF utilizes qualified professional judges who evaluate projects using standardized ISEF judging rubrics. Individual judges’ score sheets, notes, and deliberations are confidential and are not released to students, parents, or teachers. Once category judging has concluded, Fair officials, board members, and volunteers have no authority to modify scores, overturn judging decisions, or grant re-interviews or re-evaluations.
Teacher FAQ
What is my role as a Teacher Sponsor?
As a Teacher Sponsor, your primary role is to mentor students through the scientific or engineering design process, ensure adherence to ISEF ethics and safety rules, manage local Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews before experimentation, and oversee online registration/form submissions in STEM Wizard.
Are teacher sponsors required for participating students?
Yes. All student participants attending a public, charter, or private school must have an official Teacher Sponsor or designated school/district science coordinator. Parent/guardian sponsors are restricted to home-schooled students.
Who is eligible to advance to DRSEF?
Students in grades 6–12 who attend a public, charter, private, or home school in Texas Education Agency (TEA) Region 10 are eligible. Students must first qualify and advance through their campus and/or district fairs before competing at DRSEF.
Which rules and guidelines does DRSEF follow?
DRSEF operates as an official Regeneron ISEF-affiliated regional fair and strictly adheres to ISEF and Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF) rules, regulations, and safety guidelines.
Please Note: Individual school districts, charter networks, or private schools may enforce local policies that are more restrictive than ISEF or DRSEF rules (such as restrictions on specific hazardous materials, additional IRB approvals, or local team project rules). Students and sponsors must always adhere to their local district/school guidelines in addition to DRSEF requirements.
What are the rules regarding team projects?
In accordance with ISEF rules, teams may consist of up to three (3) students. Team members share equal ownership of the project. Please check with your district or school coordinator regarding any local rules for cross-school or cross-district team compositions.
Can team members be added or changed once registered?
No. Once registered in STEM Wizard, a project’s team composition is final. Students cannot be added, removed, or swapped.
How do I register as a teacher on STEM Wizard?
New teachers can create an account via the STEM Wizard registration portal linked on the DRSEF website. Account approvals typically take up to 48 hours. Returning teachers can log into their existing STEM Wizard accounts to manage student advancements.Add image
How do STEM Wizard Project IDs work across different fair levels (Local, DRSEF, TxSEF)?
Project IDs are unique to each individual fair level in STEM Wizard:
Local Child Fairs: Districts, schools, or campuses that host local fairs assign their own local Project IDs. When students advance from a local fair to DRSEF in STEM Wizard, the system will assign them a new (different) DRSEF Project ID.
Direct Regional Entries: Schools or districts that do not host local child fairs enter students directly into DRSEF; these students will only receive a DRSEF Project ID.
State Advancement (TxSEF): If a student qualifies for TxSEF, state fair administrators will assign them a new TxSEF Project ID for the state competition, replacing their DRSEF ID.
Digital Board Formatting: Ensure advancing students remove any local/district IDs from their presentation materials and digital board PDFs, replacing them with their official DRSEF Project ID# before uploading to the “Additional Submissions for Judges” milestone.
When is the final deadline for paperwork and registration?
All student advancements, required ISEF forms, abstracts, research plans, and digital board uploads must be finalized in STEM Wizard by the published DRSEF registration deadline (typically mid-February). No changes to categories, titles, or forms are permitted after the deadline.
Teacher attendance on Fair Day is highly encouraged but not strictly required. Teachers often volunteer as Display & Safety inspectors, registration personnel, or judge check-in staff.
No. The exhibit hall is strictly closed to teachers, parents, and visitors during category and grand prize judging rounds. Only registered student competitors, judges, and official fair personnel are permitted in the floor area. Teachers found on the floor speaking with students during judging risk disqualification of their student’s project.
Students are required to bring their physical presentation board and printed abstract (plus copies of Form 1C or Form 7 if applicable). Physical prototypes (if applicable), lab notebooks, and research binders are strongly encouraged.
Please remind students that physical prototypes must comply strictly with ISEF Display & Safety regulations (no hazards, liquids, unshielded power mechanisms, or sharp edges). Because electrical outlets are not provided at Fair Park, any powered prototype demonstration must rely on internal battery power or a pre-recorded video on a personal device.
Awards & Incentives
No. All judging decisions, rankings, special awards, and final project placements are final. DRSEF utilizes qualified professional judges who evaluate projects using standardized ISEF judging rubrics. Individual judge scoring sheets and judge notes are confidential evaluation tools and are not released to students, parents, or teachers. Fair organizers, board members, and volunteers cannot alter scores, overturn judge decisions, or grant re-interviews after category judging has concluded.
Please remind families that judging decisions at DRSEF are final and cannot be appealed or reconsidered. While feedback and constructive criticism are vital parts of the scientific process, DRSEF does not release judges’ scorecards or individual comments. We encourage teachers to frame the fair day experience as a valuable opportunity for students to present their work to industry professionals, regardless of the final competition outcome.
Yes! DRSEF recognizes the immense effort teachers put into guiding students. Teacher incentives and cash awards (ranging historically from $100–$500) are frequently awarded based on student participation and performance. Teachers of 1st–4th place category winners and special award winners are also invited to the annual DRSEF Awards Banquet.
Parent FAQ
General & Participation
Students in grades 6–12 attending public, charter, private, or home schools in Texas Education Agency (TEA) Region 10 qualify for DRSEF by advancing from their campus or school district science fair. Direct entry to DRSEF is not permitted unless a student is home-schooled or attends a school without an established local fair program.
Your main role is to encourage your student, assist with general logistics (transportation, meals, materials), and help support them in meeting deadlines. All research and project work must be performed by the student. Parents may only serve as the official project sponsor if the student is home-schooled.
No. To maintain objectivity and eliminate potential conflicts of interest, parents and guardians are not permitted to serve as judges at DRSEF. Additionally, no individuals with a potential conflict of interest (including parents and teachers of competing students) are permitted on the competition floor once judging begins.
DRSEF operates as an official Regeneron ISEF-affiliated regional fair and strictly adheres to ISEF and Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TxSEF) rules, regulations, and safety guidelines.
Please Note: Individual school districts, charter networks, or private schools may enforce local policies that are more restrictive than ISEF or DRSEF rules (such as restrictions on specific hazardous materials, additional IRB approvals, or local team project rules). Students and sponsors must always adhere to their local district/school guidelines in addition to DRSEF requirements.
Project IDs are unique to each individual fair level in STEM Wizard:
Local Child Fairs: Districts, schools, or campuses that host local fairs assign their own local Project IDs. When students advance from a local fair to DRSEF in STEM Wizard, the system will assign them a new (different) DRSEF Project ID.
Direct Regional Entries: Schools or districts that do not host local child fairs enter students directly into DRSEF; these students will only receive a DRSEF Project ID.
State Advancement (TxSEF): If a student qualifies for TxSEF, state fair administrators will assign them a new TxSEF Project ID for the state competition, replacing their DRSEF ID.
Presentation Materials & Board Formatting: Please remind your student to remove any local or district project numbers from their physical display board, presentation materials, and digital board PDFs. They should update these materials with their official DRSEF Project ID# before uploading to STEM Wizard for regional judging.
Not sure if your school or district hosts a local child fair? Ask your teacher sponsor or school science coordinator! They can confirm whether your project starts at a local fair or enters DRSEF directly.
Fair Day Operations & Attendance
DRSEF is held annually in late February at the Automotive Building at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
Student Arrival: 7:30 AM
Category Judging: 9:00 AM
Grand Prize Round (Select Finalists): 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Project Pickup: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Student Dismissal: Students will be dismissed from the Fair at 12:00 p.m. Parents or guardians are responsible for arranging prompt pickup or ensuring appropriate supervision immediately following dismissal.
No. To ensure a fair, distraction-free environment and maintain student security, the exhibit hall is strictly closed to parents, guardians, and visitors during judging hours. Only competing students, authorized judges, and official fair staff are allowed in the competition area. Drop-off and pick-up occur strictly outside the facility. Only registered student competitors, cleared fair volunteers, and official staff are permitted inside the venue.
Once you drop off your student at 7:30 AM, you are welcome to explore Fair Park, visit nearby Dallas attractions, or leave and return later in the day. Students remain in the building under the supervision of fair staff and volunteers throughout morning judging.
Category judging finishes at 12:00 PM, at which time all students exit the building for lunch. Parents should arrange to pick up their student or meet them outside the venue for lunch.
At approximately 1:30-2:00 PM, students qualifying for the Grand Prize judging round will receive a phone call notifying them to return to the hall for 2:30 PM interviews. Students not advancing to the Grand Prize round do not need to return until project pickup at 5:30 PM.
Project teardown and pickup takes place between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
– Anyone picking up a project must present the official Green Pass / Student Removal Pass that was issued to the student during morning check-in.
– Early admittance for project removal is not allowed.
– Any projects remaining after 7:00 PM will be discarded.