Each year about 5,000 elementary and high school students from Langley to Boston Bar prepare and exhibit science projects at their schools. The top 250 projects qualify to complete in the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair. Six to eight outstanding young scientists from Grade 7 to 12 are selected to compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair.
A judge’s most important role is to encourage students to continue their interest in science. There are two types of judging: “Divisional Judging” (Grades 7 – 12 only) and “Special Awards Judging” (all grades):
Divisional Judging is the more formal of the two, evaluating work for creativity and scientific merit. It results in the awarding of gold, silver, bronze, and participation ribbons for our region. Projects are entered in one of six divisions: Biotechnology, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Engineering & Computing Sciences, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical & Mathematical Sciences, and are assigned to judges based on their areas of expertise. Read a description of the Divisional judging process.
Special Awards (provincial and regional) that total more than $15,000 are donated each year by science-oriented community businesses, professionals and service organisations. These awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the young scientists in the Fraser Valley. They include trophies, plaques, certificates, and cash awards, and are described under the Awards button on the Home page of this website. The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) recognises the best science fair project done by a Grade 11 or 12 student in our region with an award of a year's tuition. Small teams of judges with expertise in the award area evaluate projects according to criteria for excellence specified by the award donor. Read a description of the Special Awards judging process.
We hope that you volunteer to make this afternoon a memorable one for the students, for a science fair is not only a competition, but also an educational and motivating experience for students. Students consistently report that the best part of their experience is talking with knowledgeable scientists who treat their work with respect. Please help us make this a positive and enjoyable experience for these young people.