Kansas State Science & Engineering Fair

This year’s fair will feature 165 projects presented by 233 middle school and high school students from across the state. Judging takes place Friday evening. Exhibits are open to the public from 3-5:30 p.m. on Friday. The awards ceremony is 10 a.m. Saturday.*

Competitors include winners of regional fairs around the state, including the Wichita Regional Science and Engineering Fair held Feb. 19 at Exploration Place. The top 10 middle school projects qualify for the national Broadcom Master’s Competition. The top high school project will advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, AZ in May.

The Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair was founded in 2008 and operated by volunteers, mostly educators.  Prior to that date there never had been a state science and engineering fair in Kansas.

The KSSEF competition provides growth opportunities for student participants and their teachers, said Kim Ring, KSSEF director and a biology and environmental science teacher in Eureka, Kan.  Students gain skills in problem solving, creative thinking, and project-based learning; teachers benefit by teaching cross-curricular skills, scientific investigation, and promote learning in STEM areas. “This is but one step in preparing youth to become life time learners and productive citizens as they leave our schools,” Ring said.

The competition is operated entirely by volunteers and funded through donations. This year’s event is underwritten by Westar Energy. Additional sponsors include Days Inn, Pitsco Education, BSNF Railroad and Joe and Beth Yuza.

For more information contact Kim Ring, KSSEF Director, at (620) 583-4349 or [email protected].