Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair

DRSEF

FAQs

Below is a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

General FAQs
Who can participate in the fair?

Any student that resides in Region X. This includes public school, private school, and home school students. Counties served by the DRSEF include Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Ellis, Rockwell, Fannin, Hunt, Kaufman, Van Zandt, and Henderson Counties.

Why should I attend DRSEF?

There are many reasons to attend, including:
1. Direct entry to the Texas State Science Fair
2. Direct entry to the International Science & Engineering Fair
3. Eligibility for cash awards and scholarships
4. Exposure to universities, corporations, and government agencies
5. Winning at DRSEF looks GREAT on your Common App for college admissions!

Student FAQs
I have questions about my project. Who do I contact?

Talk to your teacher! DRSEF does not provide project support to students.

Do I need a teacher sponsor?

A teacher sponsor is HIGHLY recommended as we find the most successful entrants have a teacher or other school/district sponsor. However, for home school students or students in a school that does not sponsor students, a parent/guardian may act as sponsor.

Do I have to attend the fair in person?

Student are REQUIRED to present their project in person on fair day.

I have a conflict on fair day, what can I do? (ex. History Fair, athletic event, etc.)

In-person attendance is required for projects to be judged.

We do not have “make-up” days and we cannot accommodate late arrivals. We strive to have all judging completed on time and announce winners on the day of the fair.

There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Can we compete as a Team?

We NEVER recommend team projects. Scheduling conflicts for multiple students on a single weekend have disqualified many projects over the years. We highly recommend students competing as individuals.

If you elect to compete as a team, your project may have up to 3 students. All students must attend the same school. Neither cross-school nor cross-district teammates are permitted.
Example, a student at XYZ High School may only compete with teammates that also attend XYZ High School

I did a Team project, but my teammate cannot make it to the fair. What options do I have?

You are welcome to present your project without your teammate to experience judging and the fair day. However, if any teammate is not present on fair day, your project will be disqualified from winning any awards at the fair – your project will be exhibition-only.

Additionally: if you start as a team project, you must finish as a team project. We will not permit students to be removed from projects once it has started.

Teacher FAQs
What is my role a sponsor?

Teacher sponsors’ main roles to help students prepare thoughtful, fair-ready projects that have followed the scientific process. Sponsors will also assist students in competing the required forms, safety reviews, and online entrance to the DRSEF.

Do teachers need to attend Fair Day?

Teachers are more than welcome to attend (we always need volunteers!), but there is NO requirement to attend the fair. If one of your students wins an award, you will be invited to attend the annual award banquet at no cost; there is also no requirement for you to attend the banquet.

Are there incentives for teachers?

Most years there are opportunities for teachers to win cash prizes. Cash prizes vary in amount and number each year, but historically teacher prizes range from $100 – $500.