State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa

09/23/2026

Calling all SSTFI alumni, former students, teachers, judges, volunteers, families, and friends! 💚

The State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2027, and we want YOU to be part of this milestone!

🎥 Send us a quick 10-second video! Wish SSTFI a happy 70th anniversary, share a favorite memory, tell us a funny science fair story, or let us know how SSTFI impacted your life.

Whether you participated last year or 70 years ago, we want to hear from you! No fancy equipment or perfect speeches needed, just a quick message to help us celebrate seven decades of science, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

🎬 Submit your video here: https://share.vidday.com/e/o-h7848c

Help us spread the word! Tag your former science fair friends, teachers, and fellow alumni. We'd love to hear from as many generations of SSTFI participants as possible!

💚 70 Years of Curiosity. 70 Years of Innovation. 70 Years of SSTFI.

We're compiling video messages for SSTFI. Join in — upload your video message before Mon, Mar 1, 2027 3:00 PM.

09/21/2026

Calling all young coders and innovators! The 2026 Congressional App Challenge is open! Middle and high school students can create an original app using any programming language, platform, or topic, from mobile apps and games to robotics, chatbots, and AI projects. Students can compete individually or in teams of up to four.

📅 Deadline: October 26, 2026
💻 Dream it. Code it. Share it.

Ready to take the challenge? Register for the Congressional App Challenge. https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/

08/31/2026

🔬 VOLUNTEER JUDGES NEEDED! 🔬

Help inspire Iowa’s next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers!

The 2026 Junior State Science + Technology Fair of Iowa is a one-day science fair experience for 3rd–5th grade students, and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at six locations across Iowa!

No science fair judging experience is necessary! Judges will talk with young scientists about their projects, ask questions, provide encouraging feedback, and help make their science fair experience one they’ll remember. 🧪🔭🤖🌱

📍 November 3 – Orange City | Northwestern College
📍 November 9 – Atlantic | Cass County Community Center
📍 November 11 – Dubuque | National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
📍 November 16 – Coralville | Iowa Children’s Museum
📍 November 19 – Des Moines | Science Center of Iowa
📍 November 23 – Mason City | Muse Norris Conference Center at NIACC

Whether you’re a STEM professional, educator, college student, community member, or simply someone who loves encouraging kids, we’d love to have you join us!

Give a few hours. Ask great questions. Encourage big ideas. Inspire a young scientist.

Sign up to volunteer as a judge:
https://lnkd.in/gFKndJYr

Please SHARE and help us find amazing volunteers across Iowa!

07/08/2026

Congratulations to James Marquess of Marshalltown High School for representing Iowa at the GENIUS Olympiad International Competition in Rochester, New York!

After earning his invitation through the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI), James joined talented students from around the globe to share innovative ideas and research focused on creating a more sustainable future.

Here's what James had to say about his experience:

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met students from around the world and learned about incredible projects, including an energy-generating chimney, monitoring algae levels in lakes, and even a mask that used tea bags as filters. Beyond the competition, GENIUS Olympiad included youth activities, a cultural celebration, and a trip to Niagara Falls. I left inspired and excited to begin next year's project. Thank you, SSTFI!"

The GENIUS Olympiad is more than a science competition; it celebrates innovation across science, engineering, AI, coding, robotics, business, art, music, speech, and environmental action, bringing together the next generation of global problem-solvers.

Congratulations again, James! We are incredibly proud to have you represent Iowa and the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa on the international stage. We can't wait to see what you accomplish next!

05/27/2026

Applications Are NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 SSTFI Student Advisory Board!

Are you passionate about STEM, leadership, innovation, and making an impact? Join a team of student leaders helping shape the future of the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa!

As a member of the SSTFI Student Advisory Board, students will:
- Help support the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa
- Assist with the Junior Science Fairs across Iowa
- Represent SSTFI at events like the Iowa State Fair and other STEM opportunities
- Collaborate with student leaders from across the state
- Gain leadership, networking, and event planning experience

📅 Applications Close: July 15, 2026

⏰ Time Commitment: Once-a-month virtual meetings.
In-person support at SSTFI and JSSTFI events and outreach opportunities throughout the year.

This is an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with STEM professionals, and help inspire the next generation of innovators.

Apply today and help us make STEM bigger, bolder, and more impactful across Iowa! https://form.jotform.com/261455221574960

05/26/2026

SAVE THE DATE

The 2026 Junior State Science Fairs are coming this November.

Get ready for a day filled with:
🧪 Hands-on STEM exploration
🚀 Young innovators and researchers
🏆 Science fair projects from students in grades 3–5
💡 Creativity, curiosity, and discovery

Whether your child loves animals, engineering, chemistry, nature, robots, or asking “why?,” this is their chance to shine!

📍 6 Locations Across Iowa
📅 November 2026
👩‍🔬 Open to ALL students in grades 3–5

Registration will open on August 1st!

The future of STEM starts here 💚

05/19/2026

🚨 Calling All SSTFI Participants! 🚨

Your STEM journey doesn’t stop here… it’s time to take your project to the next level!

🌟 Project Submissions are NOW OPEN for the STEM Choice Awards!
👉 https://events.projectboard.world/SCA26

This is your chance to:
🔬 Showcase your research on a global stage
🌎 Gain visibility for your hard work
💬 Engage with a wider STEM community
🏆 Compete for cash prizes (up to $2,000!)

💡 Who’s Eligible?
Students who competed in an ISEF-affiliated fair during the 2025–2026 school year but did not advance to ISEF—and are currently in high school.

📅 Key Dates:

Submissions Open: May 18
Deadline: June 8
Public Voting: June 10–23
Winners Announced: June 26

Think of this like a People’s Choice Award for STEM, your community helps choose the winners! 💙

Winners:
1st - $2000
2nd - $1000
3rd - $500
4th-10th - $100

Don’t miss this opportunity to continue sharing your work, building your portfolio, and making an impact.

✨ You’ve already done the hard part, now let the world see it.

05/15/2026

Congratulations, Antariksha!!! 2nd place in Translational Medicine!!

05/15/2026

Congratulations to David Shi from the Western Iowa Science & Engineering Fair for placing 4th place in his category of Biochemistry!

05/15/2026

Join us at in 40 minutes to celebrate our finalists at the Regeneron ISEF Grand Awards ceremony!

15 finalists
14 projects
Let’s Go Team Iowa!

Join us as we celebrate this year's Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair finalists and announce the top winners.Learn more about Regeneron IS...