Frequently Asked Questions

What day is my application due?

No later than March 7th! Late applications will not be allowed!

How do I register for the fair?

All students must register online with the user name and password obtained from their teacher or science fair representative AND complete and fax or mail the elementary/junior or senior form for your division by March 7th. Fax your completed registration forms to Jody Ostrander at 1+866-255-6028 or mail them along with your registration fees to:

Salt Lake Valley Science & Engineering Fair
210 East 400 South Suite 14,
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Online SLVSEF Registration Form (registration opens January 1st)
Download The Senior Registration Form
Download The Elementary/Junior Registration Form

What is the registration fee?

The registration fee is $15 fee per "Individual" project and $20 fee per "Team" project.

Why do I have to register online and submit a registration form?

Students must register online to compete at SLVSEF. The hard copy registration forms are used as entry paperwork into the pre-qualifying district science fairs and contain all of the appropriate signatures and project documentation required to compete. The Online registration allows you to be entered quickly into the SLVSEF database. The SLVSEF database is used to create judging cards, organize the winner lists, create certificates, etc. Please note that you will compete in the category you pick in your online registration if it differs from the category you specify in your paperwork.

Who is eligible to participate?

Students attending public schools in grades 5-12 in the Salt Lake, Granite, Park City, Murray, and Tooele school districts. Charter and private schools are also welcome. If you attend a school outside of these districts, please see the Utah Regional Fair map to find the fair you should attend.

What division am I in?

Your division is based on your school grade: Elementary Division - Grades 5-6 Junior Division - Grades 7-8 Senior Division - Grades 9-12

Can parents help with a project?

One of the great things about a science fair is that there is room for parental involvement. By sharing science experiences parents demonstrate that learning is an important and enjoyable process. The key point is that parents not do too much. Parents can offer advice, help gather materials, assist in constructing the backboard, and proofread grammar. The research and overall project, in general, should reflect the student's efforts.

What forms do I need with my project?

Different types of projects require different types of forms. Additional forms are required for projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, controlled substances and/or potentially hazardous biological agents. You can use the Intel ISEF Rules Wizard or email us if you are unsure which forms you need.

Where can I find copies of the forms I need for my project?

All of the forms needed can be downloaded here

Do I turn in the originals of the forms that are required to accompany my application?

No! Students should submit copies of their forms with their science fair application, which is due on March 7th, 2008. All original forms should remain with the student's project.

Do I have to have my notebook and forms with me on the day of the fair?

Yes! Any project that does not have this documentation cannot be judged at the fair.

When do I set up my project?

Students are allowed to register and set up their projects on March 27th from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

How early should I be at the fair?

Junior and Senior division students should arrive at Rice Eccles Stadium at 8:45 a.m. on March 28th for judging, which begins at 9:00 a.m. Elementary division student should arrive at 10:15 for judging which begins at 10:30 am.

What if I can't come to SLVSEF during the judging time?

The judging interview is the most important component of the judging process. If you cannot come at all, we recommend that you do not set up your project.

Do I have to stay for the entire judging period?

Yes! During the judging time there are category judges and special award judges that are interviewing students. You need to give them an opportunity to talk to you.

What if I have a conflict and I have to leave the fair early or come late?

Please notify a science fair representative immediately of your circumstance so we can inform your judges. We cannot gaurantee that you will be judged as many times as you need to be.

Do all members of my team have to come during judging?

No. However, it will be difficult for the judges to understand the contributions of each team member without being able to interview them and your team score may suffer.

Can my parents or teacher set up my project for me?

Yes. Just be certain that all materials you plan to display are present in order to be approved.

What should I wear to the fair?

We recommend that you dress professionally but comfortably for the judging interview.

What should I bring to the fair?

The judging process is lengthy with a lot of "down" time. We recommend that you bring a book to read or homework to work on. Be sure that whatever you bring is not a distraction to yourself or others during the judging interviews.

Will lunch be provided?

Yes. Pizza and drinks will be provided to students, teachers, and judges. Parents and siblings of students will need to make other arrangements for food.

Will parking be available?

Yes. Free parking will be available in the main parking lot at Rice Eccles Stadium.

Will my valuables be secure at the fair?

We recommend that if you need to bring a computer or other valuable items with you to display at the fair that you only have them out on display while you are with your project.

Does my project need to be reviewed by an SRC/IRB at my local school prior to experimentation?

It depends on your choice of project. Use the Intel Rules Wizard to see what forms need to be submitted. This should be done prior to the onset of any experimentation.

What can I include on my project board for the fair?

The Visual Display requirements are listed here as well as some additional tips and advice. Also, note that no photos of others are allowed, unless a signed release form has been submitted.

How should my project be displayed on the project board?

Your display will be a visual aid that will briefly state all the important aspects of your project: problem, hypothesis, experiment description, results/analysis, conclusions and applications.

What needs to be available besides my project board during the Science Fair?

Your bound notebook(s) and the official abstract should be included. Also, have all of the originals of all forms required for your project.

If my project is disqualified for improper procedure or missing forms, will I receive a refund of my entry fee?

We cannot give refunds to projects that are disqualified or withdrawn. It takes time and resources for the SLVSEF to review all of the projects, entered or not.

If my project is disqualified for improper procedure and/or missing forms, can I still participate in the fair?

No. Only projects that are fully cleared by the regional SRC/IRB can participate in the fair.

How long does the judging last and when can I leave?

The length of judging varies. It is important to stay with your project until a science fair representative notifies you that you're free to leave. Most judging is finished by 1:00 pm.

Is it ok to get SRC/IRB approval after I have collected my data?

Absolutely not. The whole purpose of SRC/IRB approval is to have the committee approve your project before you begin data collection. This will insure that ethical guidelines are met and followed.

Is there a time for the public to view the projects?

The exhibits will be open to the public on Friday, March 28, 2008 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

More questions?

If you have additional questions about the SLVSEF, forms, procedures, individual projects or anything else we've missed, we would like to hear from you—drop us an email We'll do our best to get you an answer.