Register for WGRSEF
We are excited that you have been selected to participate in the 2024 West Georgia Regional Science and Engineering Fair. We hope this guide will allow you to easily complete the registration process and maximize your experience as a science fair competitor. We look forward to seeing you in person at UWG Carrollton, Friday, February 2, 2024! See Event Details.
Registration instructions
Review page 2 of the GSEF Required Forms Guide & Checklist (PDF) to determine if your project upload requires additional forms.
- 1C: Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (PDF)
- 2: Qualified Scientist Form (PDF)
- 3: Risk Assessment Form (PDF)
- 4: Human Participants Form (PDF)
- 5A: Vertebrate Animal Form (PDF)
- 5B: Vertebrate Animal Form (PDF)
- 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (PDF)
- 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (PDF)
- 7: Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form (PDF)
You will need a single PDF file to upload to the registration application.
$10 per student: Check with your school/county coordinator before paying since they may be covering this cost.
Step 4: Complete and submit the Registration Application with mandatory forms (listed above in Steps 1-2) uploaded as a single combined PDF file.
What to bring on Competition Day
Required
- Your Exhibit (poster board):
- Review the GSEF Display and Safety Regulations (PDF).
- Exhibits serve two functions: 1) to present the research clearly when the student is not present, and 2) to guide the interview toward an in-depth discussion.
- Photocopies (not originals) of all forms submitted with your project upload
- Original Log Book: optional but highly recommended
- Research Paper: optional but highly recommended
- CREDITS: Every single photograph, graph, table, chart, and image must have a source credit associated with it visibly displayed somewhere on the front of the board or on a table tent (e.g. "All photographs taken by John Smith," "Graph A created by Mary Brown," "Image taken from www.hereisawebsite.com," etc.).
Best Practices
Dress for success!
Student dress should be neat and clean, but there is no “right” outfit. We ask that students come ready to present and put their best foot forward. Remember: first impressions matter!
Below are some ideas of what appropriate science fair attire may look like:
- Tops: Button-downs, collared shirts, or blouses are a great choices, either short-sleeved or long-sleeved. You can add a jacket or blazer over your top of choice for added dressiness. Avoid cotton t-shirts or tops with large-printed graphics or slogans.
- Bottoms: Pants like slacks or dress pants are great choices. Flowy skirts and pencil skirts are acceptable as well.
- Comfortable shoes: Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for the majority of the day.
- Practice: Practice what you will say to the judges in front of a mirror as well as with other people. Have someone act as a judge and give you feedback.
- Stay at Your Project: It may be tempting to go and talk to your friend, but your project will not score as well if you are not there to explain what you did. Remember that the judges are volunteering their time, and you should try to make a good impression.
- Stand When the Judges Talk with You: You may be provided a chair at your project area. You should always stand when any judges come by to look at your project. You should appear willing to answer any questions they might have.
- Display Enthusiasm: Look at the judges when you talk with them. Smile, and be enthusiastic as you talk about your project.
- Don't Chew Gum: You will be talking to judges, teachers, parents, and other adults throughout the day. Chewing gum is not appropriate.
- Ask Questions: After a judge has asked you a few questions, you might want to ask the judge some questions yourself. Some possibilities are: What would you suggest I do to improve this project? Do you know anyone who could help me continue this project?
- Relax and Enjoy: You have worked hard and deserve to be proud of yourself. Relax and enjoy the opportunity to share your project with others.
Adapted from "How to Handle Judges" (Capital Regional Sciences and Engineering Fair)
Interview Tips
- Your ability to discuss the project effectively during the interview
- Your project's demonstration of originality, creativity, imagination, discovery, and inventiveness
- How did you get this idea?
- Is this project a continuation of a former project? If so, what did you add?
- What application does this project have in real life?
- Where was you project done?
- How is your project different from other projects that you researched?
- What was the most interesting background reading that you did?
- How does this experiment conform to the scientific method?
- Which are your controls? Your variables? What is/are the difference(s) between you control and experimental group(s)?
- Where did you get your animals (bacteria, plants, etc.)?
- How did you determine your sample size?
- If you used any statistical tests, how did you choose them?
- Can you explain your procedure to me?
- What does this [project detail] mean?
- Could you interpret your results for me?
- How many times did you repeat this experiment (or test your device or program)?
- Did you need to change your original procedures? If so, why?
- Did you have any experimental errors in your project? If so, how did you correct for them?
- What is the most important thing you found out by doing this project?
- What changes can you make if you continue this project next year?
- If you don't know the answer, don't try to fake it—the judges always know.
- Don't be afraid to admit that you're clueless. Judges don't expect you to know everything. You can make a better impression with your honesty.