Wyoming State Science Fair

The Wyoming State Science Fair (WSSF) provides a forum for Wyoming student scientists to conduct and share their original science, technology, engineering or math research.  Participation engages students in real-life science & engineering research experiences, and gives them opportunities to interact with professionals.

Students may receive awards, scholarships and recognition.  Top students are selected to represent Wyoming at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the largest pre-college celebration of science for high school students, or at the Broadcom MASTERS Competition, a national competition for 6th-8th graders. Success at the Wyoming State Science Fair also opens doors of opportunity to engage in other science research competitions such as GENIUS Olympiad, ASU Sustainability Solutions Fair, Science Talent Search, and more!

Why do the science fair?

Why spend hours reading scientific articles, developing experiment procedures, collecting samples, analyzing results, assembling a poster, and perfecting a presentation? The students tell it best:

"[Science Fair] helped me in many ways.  Now, I am a much better public speaker and I now know that there are many different paths that I could take in the scientific field ...." 2016 WSSF Middle School Competitior

"My main influence for choosing this project was the mining companies two miles outside our town because this is going to help them grow vegetation and speed up reclamation." 2016 WSSF High School Competitor and Intel ISEF Finalist

"I play the trumpet, and really wanted to see if they were dirty or not, so I decided to do some swabs and see if bacteria grew on a petri dish or not." 2016 WSSF Middle School Competitor and Broadcom MASTERS Competition Nominee

"Mama couldn't answer all my 'why' questions and neither could the college professors in my hometown, so I decided I had to figure them out for myself." 1996-2000 WSSF Competitor and Intel ISEF Finalist

A science fair project can vary from running a controlled experiment to proposing a new theory based on library or experimental research to developing a new concept, invention, program or design.  Students have entered excellent original research on topics as diverse as bull riding, satellites, supercomputers, and optogenic bacteria.  The possibilities are endless!  To attend the Wyoming State Science Fair, students MUST follow the Intel ISEF Guidelines and compete in a REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR in Wyoming.  

How to Participate:

Who can participate?

Any 6th-12th grade student currently living in Wyoming and attending an in-person, virtual, or homeschool in Wyoming is encouraged to participate in the science fair program. 

My school doesn't do science fair, can I still participate?

Yes! Students may conduct original science, technology, engineering, or math research independently at home (with proper supervision), as part of a school class, or as part of an afterschool activity.  

Who do I contact to get started?

Contact the Wyoming State Science Fair Director, Erin Stoesz, if you are interested in participating or want to learn more about science fairs in Wyoming.  She will connect you with the regional science fair in your area, help you follow the competion rules and guidelines, and assist you in finding a mentor and other helpful resources.   

Browse the Important Information pages on this website for project ideas, rules and guidelines, regional fair information, and more.  

Request a workshop with the Wyoming State Science Fair Director:  The Wyoming State Science Fair Director is available to answer questions, provide professional development, or lead science project workshops for teachers, students and local mentors.  Send us an e-mail today to request a visit!

When to Compete:

Begin your research today!  Projects may include no more than 12 months of continuous research and may not include research performed before January 1, 2022.  

Wyoming State Science Fair - March 5-7, 2023 at University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY

Fair Leadership Team:

Erin Stoesz, 307-760-2465, wyostatefair@gmail.com

To be eligible for competition at the Wyoming State Science Fair students must:

1) Receive 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in their category & division at one of the approved regional science fairs.

2) Sumit required ISEF paperwork for SRC/IRB reivew prior to competition by Feburary 10, 2023.  Failure to submit all required materials in a readable format and/or failure to pass the SRC/IRB review will result in a 'Failure to Qualify' determination and the student will become ineligible to compete at the Wyoming State Science Fair.   Access the ISEF Rules & paperwork at: https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/2023/Rules/Book.pdf 

3) Submit digital quad chart and 12 slide presentation for judges previewing.  Deadline & details TBA.

4) Appear in-person with a physical poster board display for the science fair event (judging and public viewing) March 5-7, 2023.  All displays must comply with ISEF Display & Safety Rules: https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/international-rules/display-safety-rules/