Parent Guardian Information
The Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) is divided into three divisions:
- Elementary Division - 3rd - 5th (6th, if part of elementary school)
- Junior Division - 6th - 8th grade
- Senior Division - 9th - 12th grade
All parents/guardians are encouraged to support their child during the science fair project. It is important that the student own the project and do their own work.
Students are expected to participate through their school. Interested students should ask their school about participation in August. GARSEF communication will go through the teacher/adult sponsor.
Every project requires a certain set of paperwork that is due at a specific time. Please review the schedule and the documentation/approval requirements for your child’s division.
GARSEF T-shirts for participants and supporters will be available for pre-sale in February. Please check the homepage for updates.
Junior Senior Overview
The Junior Division of the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) is a competitive event for 6th-8th graders. The Senior Division is a competitive event for 9th-12th graders. All participating students are required to register their projects through the STEM Wizard registration system and follow all the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Rules with the exception that instead of the ISEF forms, middle schoolers (Junior Division) will submit the Safety and Consent Form for Texas Middle School Science Fair Students. Awards are given for 1st - 5th place winners in each category for each division as well as special awards. 1st - 2nd place winners advance to the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. The top Junior Division projects in each category are nominated for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Six projects in the Senior Division are selected as Best of Fair winners and advance to the Regeneron ISEF competition.
Home Schools and Independent Projects
Home schools and students attending non-participating schools are allowed to participate. Please email JRSR Staff for more details.
How to help your child
The majority of Junior and Senior Division projects are done through the school. Students and parents/guardians should coordinate with the teacher sponsor of the school to determine signature requirements, due dates, etc. Some signatures will be required prior and some post experimentation: please consult the Student, Resources Page for more information and resources.
If you want to be included in communications, be sure that your child enters your email as the secondary/parent guardian email when registering through STEM Wizard.
Elementary Division Overview
The Elementary Division of the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) is a non-competitive event for 3rd - 6th graders. Schools will select qualifying projects to attend the Regional Fair using school based criteria. To participate in the regional fair:
- Elementary students are required to follow modified ISEF guidelines appropriate for their Division.
- Each school and project must register to participate in GARSEF.
- Each project must submit an online Project Research Plan for approval.
- There are two categories of elementary projects:
- 3rd - 4th grade
- 5th - 6th grade
- More information and downloadable forms can be found on our Elementary Resources page
Home schools and students attending schools not participating in GARSEF are allowed to participate. Email us for more details.
The Elementary Division fair is held separately from the Junior and Senior Divisions.
Elementary Division projects do not advance past the Regional Fair.
How can I help my child ?
A science project integrates many diverse skills, including reading, writing, math, statistics, ethics, critical thinking, and use of computers, graphics, scientific methodology, and public speaking.
The journey to and through the Science Fair is one of self-discovery. It teaches children to develop questions into formal, testable, and solvable problems; it helps prepare them to approach life's challenges systematically. Learning outcomes and finding answers offer powerful self-validation.
While your encouragement is the most valuable contribution, your eye on safety is also important.
As a parent or teacher, you may offer guidance wherever you can, but the project should reflect your child's individual effort and design. The project's performance at the Science Fair is less important than what your child accomplishes and learns.
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Questions? Please email ELEMstaff@austinscience.org for more details.
Información para estudiantes de Primaria
La División de Primaria de la Feria Regional de Ciencia e Ingeniería del Gran Austin (GARSEF) es un evento no competitivo dirigido a estudiantes de 3.º a 6.º grado. Cada escuela seleccionará los proyectos que califiquen para asistir a la Feria Regional utilizando sus propios criterios de selección. Para participar en la feria regional:
- Los estudiantes de primaria deben seguir una versión adaptada de las normas de la ISEF, apropiada para su división.
- Cada escuela y cada proyecto deben registrarse para participar en GARSEF.
- Cada proyecto debe entregar un “Plan de Investigación del Proyecto” en línea para su aprobación.
- Hay dos categorías para los proyectos de primaria:
- 3.º y 4.º grado
- 5.º y 6.º grado
- Puede encontrar más información y descargar los formularios correspondientes en nuestra página de Recursos para Primaria
Los estudiantes que reciben educación en casa y aquellos que asisten a escuelas que no participan en GARSEF también pueden participar. Envíenos un correo electrónico para obtener más información.
La feria de la División de Primaria se celebra por separado de las divisiones Junior y Senior.
Los proyectos de la División de Primaria no avanzan más allá de la Feria Regional.
¿Cómo puedo ayudar a mi hijo?
Un proyecto científico integra una amplia variedad de habilidades, entre ellas la lectura, la escritura, las matemáticas, la estadística, la ética, el pensamiento crítico, el uso de computadoras, la elaboración de gráficos, el método científico y la expresión oral.
El camino hacia la Feria de Ciencias y la experiencia de participar en ella constituyen un proceso de autodescubrimiento. Los estudiantes aprenden a convertir sus preguntas en problemas formales, comprobables y con posibles soluciones, lo que les ayuda a desarrollar un enfoque sistemático para afrontar los desafíos de la vida. Aprender y encontrar respuestas fortalece su confianza y les brinda una valiosa sensación de logro.
Aunque su apoyo y motivación son la contribución más importante que puede ofrecer, también es fundamental prestar atención a la seguridad.
Como padre, madre o docente, puede orientar y brindar ayuda siempre que sea necesario; sin embargo, el proyecto debe reflejar el esfuerzo personal y el diseño original del estudiante. El desempeño en la Feria de Ciencias es menos importante que todo lo que el estudiante logra aprender durante el proceso.
Lista de correos electrónicos
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Tiene preguntas? Por favor, envie un correo a email ELEMstaff@austinscience.org para más información.