Upcoming Project Registration/SRC Pre-Approval Deadline and Teacher Training Reminder

December 4th is the final day for a student to create an account for this year’s fair. It is also the last chance to submit projects that need SRC pre-approval before students begin work.

December 4th is the account creation deadline

Every student who plans to participate in this year’s fair must have an account created by December 4th. Since the deadline is only one month away, now is the time to check that students have taken this step.

Account creation is often the first real marker that a student is moving from “interested” to “ready to participate.” It gives students access to the fair process and helps teachers track who still needs support.

The goal is not only to meet the deadline. The goal is to make sure every interested student has a clear path into the fair before the window closes. We encourage students to create an account now even if they are unsure about their fair participation. Early registration helps us plan more effectively, and there’s absolutely no penalty if they later decide to withdraw. 

December 4th is also the final date for SRC pre-approval submissions

December 4th is the last chance to submit projects for SRC pre-approval.

The Scientific Review Committee, which reviews certain types of projects before work begins, helps protect student safety, participant rights, and fair eligibility. Projects that involve areas such as human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous materials, or certain controlled procedures may need review before any experimentation starts. Consult the ISEF Rules or email src@mtsef.org if you're unsure!

Students should not assume their project is exempt without checking. A project that seems simple at first may still involve a review category. For example, a survey, exercise study, environmental sample, or bacteria-related experiment may raise questions that need approval before work begins.

Teachers can help students by encouraging them to review their project plans early. The deadline is not a suggestion or a soft target. It is the last opportunity for SRC pre-approval submissions for this year’s fair.

Students submitting projects not needing approval can submit paperwork through 1/31.

Early action keeps projects from getting stuck

Science fair projects take time. Even strong ideas can stall when students wait too long to handle required steps. Account setup, project review, and registration all connect to the larger fair process.

When these steps happen early, students have more time to:

• Refine research questions

• Review safety expectations

• Gather materials

• Adjust project plans if needed

• Begin work with confidence

• Stay eligible for the fair

  
  

When they happen late, small issues can become major roadblocks. A missing account can delay a student’s registration. An unsubmitted SRC approval request can prevent a project from moving forward. An incomplete teacher training requirement can affect fair registration.

Teachers should complete the required asynchronous training

For teachers, there is one more key requirement to plan for now: the required asynchronous teacher training, which is available on the website.

Teachers also have an important task to complete. The required asynchronous teacher training is available on the website and must be completed to ensure registration for the fair. Completing the training early gives teachers time to understand the fair process, support students, and confirm that their own registration is in order.

The training is designed to help teachers guide students through requirements and deadlines. It can also reduce confusion about forms, approvals, and expectations. For teachers managing multiple student projects, that clarity matters.

Teachers play a central role in helping students stay organized. Finishing the required training early is one of the best ways to keep the process moving for everyone.