Participants

Getting Started

    No handwritten forms will be accepted.

    Teachers and Adult Sponsors, before completing your STEM Wizard Registration, please ensure your school is listed under the “Select the School You’re From” section of the registration page. If your school is not listed, please get in touch with the SEFH office.

     

    School Districts STEM Wizard Links

      Project Categories 

      Life Science

      Animal Sciences (ANIM)

      This category includes animals (mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, etc.), animal life, animal development, animal life cycles, animal interactions with each other and/or their environment, and the study of animals at the cellular and the molecular level.

      ISEF subcategories: Animal Behavior, Cellular Studies, Development, Ecology, Genetics, Nutrition and Growth, Physiology, Systematics and Evolution


      Behavioral and  Social Sciences (BEHA)

      This category includes the study of psychology, sociology, anthropology, archeology, etiology, ethnology, linguistics, animal behavior (learned or instinctive), learning, perception, urban problems, gerontology, reading problems, public opinion surveys, and education testing, etc.

      ISEF subcategories: Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Physiological Psychology, Sociology and Social Psychology


      Biochemistry and Microbiology (BIO)

      This category includes molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungal and bacterial genetics, yeast, etc.

      ISEF subcategories: Analytical Biochemistry, General Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Structural Biochemistry, Antimicrobials and Antibiotics, Applied Microbiology, Bacteriology, Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Genetics, Virology, Cell Physiology, Cellular Immunology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology


      Medicine and Health (MED)

      This category includes medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, pediatrics, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, optometry, etc.

      ISEF categories: Computational Biomodeling, Computational Epidemiology, Computational Evolutionary Biology, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Pharmacology, Genomics, Disease Detection and Diagnosis, Disease Prevention, Disease Treatment and Therapies, Drug Identification and Testing, Pre-Clinical Studies, Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology, Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease, Immunology, Nutrition and Natural Products, Pathophysiology


      Plant Sciences (PLNT)

      This category includes agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant biorhythms, palynology, plant anatomy, plant taxonomy, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algology, mycology, etc.

      ISEF categories: Agriculture and Agronomy, Ecology, Genetics and Breeding, Growth and Development, Pathology, Plant Physiology, Systematics and Evolution

      Physical Science

      Chemistry (CHEM)

      This category includes physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc.

      ISEF subcategories: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry


      Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV)

       

      This category includes studies of the environment and its effect on organisms/systems, including investigations of biological processes such as growth and life span, as well as studies of Earth systems and their evolution.

      ISEF subcategories: Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Environmental Effects on Ecosystems, Geosciences, Water Science


      Energy and Transportation (EGTR)

      This category includes aerospace, aeronautical engineering and aerodynamics, alternative fuels, fossil fuel energy, green energy science & technology, vehicle development, renewable energies, etc.

      ISEF subcategories: Biological Process and Design; Solar Process, Materials, and Design; Energy Storage; Wind and Water; Movement Power Generation; Hydrogen Generation and Storage; Thermal Generation and Design; Triboelectricity and Electrolysis


      Mathematics (MATH)

      This category includes calculus, geometry, abstract algebra, number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability, topology, logic, operations research, and other topics in pure and applied mathematics.

      ISEF subcategories: Algebra; Analysis; Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Game Theory; Geometry and Topology; Number Theory; Probability and Statistics


      Physics and Astronomy (PHYS)

      This category includes the science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two. Astronomy is the study of anything in the universe beyond the Earth.

      ISEF subcategories: Atomic; Molecular; and Optical Physics; Astronomy and Cosmology; Biological Physics; Condensed Matter and Materials; Mechanics; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Theoretical, Computational, and Quantum Physics


      Systems Software  (SOFT)

      This category includes the study or development of software, information processes or methodologies to demonstrate, analyze, or control a process/solution.

      ISEF subcategories: Algorithms, Cybersecurity, Databases, Human/Machine Interface, Languages and Operating Systems, Mobile Apps, Online Learning

      Engineering

      Aerospace Engineering (AERO)

      Aerospace Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the study and design, development, testing, improving and production of aircraft and related systems (aeronautical engineering) and of spacecraft, missiles, rocket propulsion systems and other equipment that operate beyond the earth’s atmosphere (Space Engineering). It includes the direction of the technical phases of their manufacture and operation.

      ISEF subcategories: Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering


      Biomedical Engineering (ENBM)

       

      The projects that aim to improve human health and longevity by translation novel discoveries in the biomedical sciences into effective activities and tools for clinical and public health use.

      ISEF subcategories: Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Biomechanics, Biomedical Devices, Biomedical Sensors and Imaging, Cell and Tissue Engineering, Synthetic Biology


      Chemical Engineering & Materials Science (CEMS)

       

      Materials science is study of the integration of various materials forms in systems, devices, and components that rely on their unique and specific properties. Chemical engineering includes the application of the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems in the production, transport, or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and other products.

      ISEF subcategories: Biomaterials; Ceramic and Glasses; Composite Materials; Computation and Theory; Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials; Nanomaterials; Polymers


      Embedded Systems  (EBED)

       

      Studies involving electrical systems in which information is conveyed via signals and waveforms for purposes of enhancing communications, control and/or sensing.

      ISEF Subcategories: Circuits, Internet of Things, Microcontrollers, Networking and Data Communications, Optics, Sensors, Signal Processing


      Engineering Mechanics (ENMC)

       

      Studies that focus on the science and engineering that involve movement or structure.  The movement can be by the apparatus or the movement can affect the apparatus.

      ISEF subcategories: Civil Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Control Theory, Ground Vehicle Systems, Industrial Engineering-Processing, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Systems


      Environmental Engineering (ENEV)

       

      Studies that engineer or develop processes and infrastructure to solve environmental problems in the supply of water, the disposal of waste, or the control of pollution.

      ISEF subcategories: Bioremediation, Land Reclamation, Pollution Control, Recycling and Waste Management, Water Resources Management


      Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO)

      This category includes studies in which the use of machine intelligence is paramount to reducing the reliance on human intervention.

      ISEF subcategories: Biomechanics, Cognitive Systems, Control Theory, Machine Learning, Robot Kinematics

      Rules and Guidelines

      2026 RULE CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AND REMINDERS

      Please note that that SEFH does have additional restrictions or requirements as indicated below. Knowledge of these requirements is the responsibility of the student and Adult Sponsor.

      SEFH Changes/Reminders:

      Signatures on Forms and Documents

      • All required SEFH forms must be completed online through the STEM Wizard Portal. STEM Wizard does not allow the upload of forms or documents unless explicitly stated. Original signatures must be obtained through STEM Wizard’s Paperless Files and Forms system. For forms requiring signatures:
        • The signee will receive a secure link.
        • The signee opens the link and completes the required information.
        • The signee then saves the information, which is automatically recorded in the system.

        This digital signature process will be available for Senior Division ISEF Forms, Safety and Consent Form for Texas Middle School Science Fair Students and other designated documents.

      Form and Document Completion

      • All required SEFH forms must be completed online through the STEM Wizard Portal. Uploading forms or documents is not permitted unless explicitly allowed by the system. Handwritten submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

      Project Board Display

      • Each project will be assigned a standard table with a height of 36 inches (91 centimeters).
      • The maximum height of your project board, including any headers or title boards, must not exceed 60 inches (152 centimeters).
      • The total display height, measured from the floor to the top of your project board, must not exceed 96 inches (244 centimeters). This includes the 36-inch table height.

      Photograph/Image Display Requirements

      • The general statement “All photos/images and graphs were made by the student” is no longer acceptable on project boards.

        Graphics Created by the Student

        Each graphic must be individually cited with a clear statement, such as:

        • “Photo taken by Student, year”
        • “Image created by Student using [software/tool], year.”
        • “Graph created by Student using [software/tool], year.”
        • “Chart created by Finalist using [software/tool], year.”
        • “Data Table created by Student, year”
        • “Logo created by Student, year.”

        Graphics Not Created by the Student

        • Must be individually cited using APA format (preferred).
        • If sourced from the internet, a URL or DOI must be included—even if the license does not require attribution.

        Citation Placement

        • Citations must appear next to the graphic or in a vertically displayed reference list on the board.

      For examples and formatting guidance, refer to the ISEF Display & Safety Graphic Credit Guidance document: D&S Graphic Credit Guidance document.

      Individual and team projects

      • Students may conduct a science project individually or in teams of up to three students.
      • Team members must compete in the same division:
        • Junior Division: Grades 6–8
        • Senior Division: Grades 9–12
          Students on a team cannot be split across divisions.
      • Students from different school districts are not allowed to form teams together.
      • Team membership is fixed for the duration of the research year. Changes are only permitted under extenuating circumstances and must be reviewed and approved by the local Scientific Review Committee (SRC). This includes:
        • Converting a team project to an individual project
        • Converting an individual project to a team project
        • Replacing or removing a team member

      Regeneron ISEF Rule Changes and Updates


        Project Deadlines

        • All students must create or reactivate an account on STEM Wizard.
        • All entries must be separately completed online for each project.
        • Schools only register once.
        • Register online through STEM Wizard.
        • All entries MUST BE Finalized by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026.
        • Late entries will not be accepted.

        SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT: January 19, 2026, 5:00 PM

        Science Fair Rules and Guidelines are under the ‘Rules and Guidelines‘ Tab.

        For Schools and Teachers

        Project Quotas
        The Project Entry Quota represents the amount of exhibits (science fair projects may they be individual or team) that may advance to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston per the criteria presented.

        Private* and parochial schools and districts with one – two high schools Districts with three – four high schools and / or academies Districts** with more than four high schools and / or academies
        SENIOR DIVISION
        (grade 9-12)
        81
        exhibits
        120
        exhibits
        148
        exhibits
        JUNIOR DIVISION
        (grade 6-8)
        62
        exhibits
        79
        exhibits
        96
        exhibits

        STEM Wizard

        1. Access STEM Wizard
        2. Demonstration Video – Teacher Set up and Managing Students 
        3. Demonstration Video – Junior Division Student 
        4. Demonstration Video – Senior Division Student 
        5. STEM Wizard: Teacher Guide
        6. STEM Wizard: Student Registration Guide
        7. STEM Wizard: Understanding File Upload App
        8. STEM Wizard: Paperless Files and Forms Overview Video (SENIOR DIVISION)
        9. STEM Wizard: Junior Division Paperless Files and Forms Overview Video (JUNIOR DIVISION)
        10. STEM Wizard: Instructions for Completing Paperless Files and Forms
        11. STEM Wizard: Milestones
        12. STEM Wizard: Approver Signatures Instructions
        13. Have questions? Read through the STEM Wizard FAQ!

        If you have questions regarding STEM Wizard such as how to add your school, add students to your class, or add teachers, please get in touch with the SEFH office at info@sefhouston.org.

        Forms

        1. Junior Division Forms Guide
        2. ISEF Forms Guide(High School Projects Only)
        3. ISEF Form FAQ – (High School Projects Only)
        4. Student Research Plan Template
        5. ISEF Form Signature Template (High School Projects Only – Use this spreadsheet to help you keep track of who needs to sign your necessary forms )
        6. Participation Agreement

        RESOURCES:

        1. ISEF – Student Science
        2. DIY Space: How to Do a Science Fair Project – Short Videos by NASA JPL discussing the steps to conduct research
        3. Showboard – A good source for SEFH display boards
        4. National Science Teachers Association
        5. MadSci – Scientific Reagents and Supplies
        6. Education Planet – Science Fair Teacher Resources
        7. Science Page – Science Fair Projects and Science Fairs

        PROJECT IDEAS:

        1. Science Fair Projects on the web
        2. Science Bob – Science Fair Ideas

        OTHER:

        1. ScienceDaily
        2. Environmental News Network
        3. New Scientist
        4. Amateur Science
        5. CHEM4KIDS

        Project Deadlines

        • All entries must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025.
        • Each entry must be accompanied by a project competing in the current SEFH season.
        • Late entries will not be accepted.

        WRITING CONTEST: January 24, 2025; 5:00 PM

         

         

         

        Project Deadlines

        • All entries must be submitted to the SEFH, either hand-delivered or postmarked by the due date.
        • The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025.
        • Late entries will not be accepted.
        • Office Physical Address:

        University of Houston
        STEM Center
        Lamar Fleming Jr. Building
        3585 Cullen Blvd, Room 138
        Houston, Texas 77204-5008

        POSTER CONTEST: January 24, 2025; 5:00 PM