Every year, students across the globe compete in local, district, and regional science fairs. But there is a pinnacle to this journey: the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This year, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a chaperone for a group of incredibly talented students from my state.
To be honest, until recently, I hadn’t even heard of this level of competition. But as a junior high science teacher, I knew I had to be here.
The Motivation Gap
In my years in the classroom, I’ve noticed a recurring theme. Many students enjoy the idea of science, and many are very "good" at it—they pass their assessments and understand the concepts. However, there is a massive difference between being a good student and going beyond to experience science as a researcher.
I want my students to see science firsthand through experimentation. I’m here at ISEF 2026 to learn how to help them engage at this elite level.
A Global Melting Pot of Innovation
Since arriving, it has been a total blast. I’ve met students from Azerbaijan, China, Brazil, Venezuela, and beyond. These aren’t just students; they are "future scientists" who have dedicated themselves to solving global problems.
One project that absolutely blew my mind involved a student studying "Beyond the Standard Model" of particle physics. This is a frontier that professional physicists at CERN are still trying to crack—trying to determine what lies beyond our current understanding of fundamental particles. Seeing a high schooler navigate the complex mathematics and theoretical frameworks required for such a topic was nothing short of inspiring.
The atmosphere of collaboration is electric. We’ve even met with:
- The President and CEO of the Society for Science.
- Nobel Laureates.
- The former President of Intel and various entrepreneurs.
Seeing the passion these leaders have for the next generation is incredibly inspiring.
My Takeaway for Fellow Educators
I’ve been attending symposiums on how to better motivate students and prepare them for high-level presentations. The information I’m gathering here is going straight back to my classroom.
During the symposiums, one of the most practical takeaways was the idea of starting a dedicated After-School Science Club.
Often, the regular school day doesn't allow enough time for the deep, messy work of original research. A club provides a low-pressure, high-engagement environment where students can:
- Explore "wild" ideas that don't fit in a standard curriculum.
- Get hands-on mentorship for their science fair projects.
- Collaborate with peers who share their curiosity.
If you are a teacher—or just a fellow human being—I highly recommend getting involved with science fairs. It’s more than a competition; it’s a life-changing experience. You are literally looking at future Nobel Prize winners and the people who will guide the future of our planet.
