The following is an example of a timetable that the science fair coordinator or committee may follow. Activities may be added or deleted to fit the overall structure of your school science fair.

August/September a. Form a Science Fair Committee or select a Science Fair Coordinator. b. Form subcommittees. c. Set an initial committee(s) meeting date. d. Set a date for the fair. e. Select fair categories. f. Select a site for the fair. g. Inform students of the science fair. h. Distribute information to the students--including a calendar of events, rules & regulations, and student timeline. i. Publicize fair via school paper, school bulletins & bulletin boards, letter to parents, newsletters, etc. j. Notify parents/guardians science fair plans/requirements. k. Turn in completed SRC forms for review (First call 9/28/01, Second call 10/19/01).

October a. Send out information reminding students of the science fair--date, time, location, rules & regulations, deadlines, etc. b. Distribute entry forms to students. c. Obtain judges (high school teachers, college science teachers, high school students, professional scientists, etc.). d. Deadline for turning in SRC forms. e. Publicize fair. f. Final call for SRC forms 11/16/01.

November a. Collect and separate entry forms by grade levels and categories. b. Compile list of tentative entrants. This tentative list is needed for the following reasons: 1) To determine how much space, how many tables, and how many electrical outlets will be needed. (2) To determine how many awards and certificates will be needed. (3) To present final information about the fair to participants (judging criteria, calendar of events, etc.). (4) To decide how many judging teams will be needed. (5) Final revisions of SRC forms are due Friday, December 7, 2001. c. Finalize fair activities (registration procedures, program, etc.) d. Return revised SRC forms, if applicable. e. Publicize fair. f. Dates for school science fairs 1/14/2002 –2/01/2002.

January a. Assemble judging folders and guidelines; reproduce judging forms. b. Contact judges (include guidelines, judging form, and other pertinent fair information). c. Plan science fair program. d. Order awards and certificates. e. Preliminary run-off showing (optional). f. School science fair. (1) Projects should be judged and awards given. (2) All participants should receive a Certificate of Participation. (3) Open House is suggested. g. Enter school winners in the Administrative District Science Fair. (Note: This step may take place in January if required by the date of the Administrative District Fair.) h. Dates for administrative district science fairs 2/11/2002 – 2/20/2002. i.  SEFH Entry forms and entrance fees from administrative districts due in district office 2/25/2002.

February Post-Fair Activities: 1. Thank you (a) students (b) faculty (c) judges (d) committee members (e) volunteers (f) others 2. Publicize fair participants, winners, review, etc. 3. Conduct a "debriefing" meeting of committee members and volunteers. 4. Make arrangements to transport your regional science fair participants to the Astroarena 3/21/2002 – 3/23/2002. 5. Distribute SEFH information to all students registered for the SEFH. 6. Make sure that your students have all of the necessary papers needed for registration into the SEFH. 7. Make plans for you or a designee to be present during the registration time on Thursday, March 21, 2002 with a copy of the paperwork for the students entered from your school.

Back                     Return to top of the page             Next-Tips