Rochester Regional STEM Fair (Gr. 6-12)

69th Annual Rochester Regional STEM Fair

The STEM Fair is an event where students showcase science and engineering projects. Prior to the event, students find a question or problem that interests them. They build prototypes or conduct experiments, sharing what they learned with their peers. Students can win awards based on the quality of their projects and presentations.

Students - Late Registration will be open until 1/15/2027

Registering late will limit students' ability to receive transportation, receive a display board, and advance to the Regeneron ISEF competition.

Complete both steps. Very Important!

1. Register through Community Education. You're in the right place! Click the "Enroll Now" button.
2. Create a free ZFairs account. This is needed to process paperwork related to your project.

If you are under 16, you may be prompted to have a parent/guardian register for you. If you are over 16, you may register yourself.

Free Display Boards

Display boards are available to participants who register by January 1, 2027, at no additional cost (included in the $20 fee). Each board is a single panel measuring 36” tall by 24” wide and may be picked up from the Northrop Community Education Center in January.

Participants who register after January 1, 2027, and before the final registration deadline of January 15, 2027, must provide their own display board.

Can I work with a friend?

Yes! Up to three students can work together on a project. If you are part of a team, all team members must register individually through Community Education and each must pay the registration fee.

Travel Opportunities

Up to two high school projects will be selected to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles in May 2027. All required ISEF paperwork must be completed on time for consideration.

Middle and high school students may be selected to attend the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair on April 1st, 2027.

Important Dates

• October 27, 2026:
  • Registration opens
• October through December 2026
  
  • Scientific Review Committee (SRC) meetings for high school projects that require safety review.
    • October 27, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Virtual)
    • November 10, 5:00-7:00 PM (Virtual)
    • November 23, 5:00-7:00 PM (In person at Northrop Community Education Center Room 308)
    • December 7th, 5:00-7 PM (In person at Northrop Community Education Center Room 308) 
• January 1, 2027
• • Registration Deadline
• January 15, 2027: 
  • Deadline to upload all ISEF paperwork into ZFairs.
• January 29, 2027: 
  • ZFairs is "frozen." No changes can be made by students in ZFairs after this date.
  • (Optional) Deadline to upload papers into ZFairs for students who will participate in the Paper Presentations event
• February 12, 2027
  • (Optional) Deadline to upload video presentations into ZFairs
• February 26, 2027
  • STEM Fair at the Regional Sports Center at RCTC
• March 4, 2027
  • Award Ceremony Location (TBD)

Scientific Review Committee (SRC)

High school projects involving human participants, vertebrate animals, or hazardous materials or processes may need approval by our Scientific Review Committee (SRC) before a project can begin. In-person and online meeting options will be available in November and December.

Middle school students should contact their school’s building coordinator. In most cases, building coordinators directly approve middle school project plans, and formal SRC review is not required.

Paper Presentations (Optional)

Middle and high school students have an opportunity to write a paper based on their project and present their findings to local scientists. There is no additional cost to participate in this event, and there are additional awards available. This is a great opportunity to develop written and spoken communication skills. The paper must be 5-20 pages long, including appendices and references. The presentation may not exceed 12 minutes and will be followed by a question period of up to 6 minutes. Rules and judging criteria are based on the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium competition.

This event will take place prior to the STEM Fair.

To participate in the Paper Presentations event, students must also register for the STEM Fair.

Contact Information

James Kappes

Rochester Regional STEM Fair Director

jakappes@rochesterschools.org