Science Fair

The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair (WVSEF) will be held on March 10, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. The fair acts as an entry point for WV high school students to qualify for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Middle school students can qualify for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and the Lemelson Early Inventor Prize.

Topics on this page

• Fair Schedule 
• Lodging 
• Previous WVSEF Results 
• Upcoming Science Fairs 
• Philosophy 
• Objectives

Fair Schedule

• 8:00 a.m. – Project Setup (Grand Hall South)
• 9:30 a.m. – Opening Assembly (Grand Hall North)
• 9:50 a.m. – Logistics Overview
• 10 a.m. – Judging (Grand Hall South)
• 12 p.m. – Lunch (on your own)
• 1 p.m. – Judging, continued (Grand Hall South)
• 4:30 p.m. – Public Viewing of Projects (Grand Hall South)
• 5:15 p.m. – Students may remove projects from Grand Hall South
• 5:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony (Grand Hall North)

Lodging

Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton

300 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
EmbassySuitesCharlestonWV.com | Directions

The Embassy Suites Hotel has reserved a block of rooms at the rate of $149.00.

To reserve a suite at the group rate, make your reservation by February 7, 2025.  Details on how to book are provided below:

• Calling 1-800-EMBASSY or 304-347-8700 - remember to provide the Group code 935 when making your reservation, or
• Visit the West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair page provided by Embassy Suites specific to this event. You must use the 3-digit code 935 when making reservations to receive the discounted rate.

The Embassy Suites website details points of interest in the Charleston area.

Additional Information about your stay:

• Check-In time is 4:00 PM and Check-Out time is 11:00 AM.
• Requests for early arrival, late departure, room type or floor assignments cannot be guaranteed.
• Reservations must be cancelled the day prior to arrival to avoid charges.
• The complimentary breakfast is available Weekdays 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and Weekends 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The breakfast includes a made-to-order omelet station along with your favorite breakfast items.
• Join us for the Manager’s Reception from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM each evening. This includes complimentary cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages, hors d’oeuvres and light snacks.
• Embassy Suites offers a shuttle to and from Yeager Airport for a fee of $5.00, and within a 5 mile radius of the hotel a $5.00 Fee.
• Also available is an indoor pool and exercise facility and a 24-hour business center.

Previous Science Fair Results

• Official March 2024 Results
• Official March 2023 Results
• Official March 2022 Results
• Official March 2021 Results

Upcoming Science Fairs

• March 9, 2026
• March 8, 2027
• March 6, 2028
• March 5, 2029

Philosophy

The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair (WVSEF) provides opportunities for students to ask questions about their world and discover how the world works. It also allows students to be creative and resourceful as they contemplate problems to solve in the real world. Students who participate in science fairs learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills that can be used throughout their lifetime. Scientific methodology, logical thinking, math, statistics and data analysis, computer science, as well as reading, writing, grammar, spelling, graphic arts, public speaking, global awareness, and other skills are employed as students ask questions, research and develop projects, collect data, make conclusions based on evidence, and communicate their findings to others.

While science projects may serve to inspire future scientists, the skills acquired while going through the process of scientific investigations and presentations will benefit students as they continue their education and become part of the workforce.

Objectives

It is the intent of the WVSEF to:

• Recognize and reward outstanding achievements of science students from around the state;
• Provide an opportunity for students to show real-world implementation of the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science (Policy 2520.3C), the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Technology and Computer Science (Policy 2520.14), and the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Dispositions and Standards for Student Success for Grades K-12 (Policy 2520.19);
• Provide a pathway for West Virginia high school students to be eligible for the International Science and Engineering Fair and a process for elementary and middle schools students to acquire skills and experience competing in science fairs.
• Increase the number of school and county science fairs;
• Encourage students to draw on all areas of science as a means of broadening and deepening their understanding of science and engineering concepts and principles and to demonstrate that they know science content;
• Provide the opportunity for students to ask questions and construct explanations about the world around them;
• Provide the opportunity for students to identify problems and propose solutions globally and in their communities;
• Provide the opportunity for students to practice interpersonal skills and public speaking;
• Provide the opportunity for students to gain literacy skills in informational reading and writing;
• Provide the opportunity for students to practice numeracy skills during the collection and graphic representation of data;
• Generate public interest in and appreciation for the broad interdisciplinary areas of science and engineering;
• Develop a greater public appreciation and understanding of the abilities of youth.