Tucson Nonprofit Hosting Free Virtual Science Fair

TUCSON, AZ — With local schools continuing to return to virtual learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Tucson nonprofit is giving back to the community through its love of science.

The Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation has created an online platform that allows schools in the area to launch and host their own virtual science fair. The free program gives students the opportunity to show off their science and engineering projects in a safe setting.

"In this time of strained resources, it means a lot that we are able to offer a free solution for science fairs to still have a place in schools,” shared Danniey Wright, the organization's science fair director. “Otherwise, we know fairs could potentially go on the chopping block. But the fairs are important to continue to engage students in active research.”

School fair directors can register their schools online, upload projects, and open the virtual Exhibit Hall to caregivers, relatives, fair judges and friends so they can view the projects and help celebrate Arizona’s students.

Each school will have its own password protected fair and winners will be awarded virtual trophies, which will be displayed next to the project on the website.

The organization's regional science and engineering fair will take place virtually starting March 1 through March 6. Arizona’s state science and engineering fair will also be virtual and will take place from March 29 until April 3.