Explore

Competitions to enter. Clubs to join.

Competition pathways

Find your starting point in chess, debate, STEM, arts or writing. See how to enter, what comes next and where to check the official rules.

19 program guides. These are routes to explore, not upcoming event listings.

Choose a program

Science and engineering research · Qualify first

Earn an affiliated-fair nomination, then apply for national research recognition and finalist selection.

Who it’s for: Students in grades 6–8 at U.S. affiliated fairs

Find a Society-affiliated fair in the United States or a U.S. territory that serves your area.

Affiliated fair
Complete a project and enter an eligible affiliated fair.
Nomination and application
Nominated students must complete the separate national application.
National selection
Application review selects recognized students and a smaller finalist group.
Finals Week
Selected finalists present research and take part in collaborative challenges.

Before you commit: A fair nomination permits an application; it is not an automatic invitation to Finals Week.

Sources and review · 2026-10-20

Organizer: Society for Science. Causey’s summary is a starting point; the organizer decides eligibility, selection and current availability.