Below is a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
General FAQ
Who can attend DRSEF?
Any student that resides in Region 10 can attend DRSEF. 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.
Student FAQ
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?
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 FAQ
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 highly encouraged to support DRSEF by volunteering on DRSEF fair day. Teachers can volunteer to assist with student check in, safety and display, or judge check in. Once judging begins all teachers are required to stay off the judging floor.
Please note – DRSEF is not a spectator event. If a teacher is found out on the floor speaking with their student they will be given a warning before potential disqualification for thei student and/or school.
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.