Northern hosts the annual Northern South Dakota Science and Mathematics Fair, showcasing hundreds of projects from young scientists in grades 6-12 from this region.

43rd Annual Fair

March 26, 2026

 

The event is affiliated with International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Between 200 and 300 students are expected to exhibit projects involving biology, botany, chemistry, physics, health and medicine, and more. Top winners will have an opportunity to exhibit at ISEF. Judges include between 30-40 NSU faculty, professionals from the Aberdeen area, and NSU students.

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Forms and Registration

Deadlines 

  • December 17, 2025 for forms needing prior approval
  • February 27, 2026 for judges' registration form submission
  • February 27, 2026 for fair final registration of projects
     

Science Fair Registration

Judge Registration Form

Dwayne Rehfeld Award

ISEF Rules, Forms and Guidelines

ISEF Forms Wizard (to help you determine which forms and approvals are necessary before beginning a science fair project)

 

2025 Winners 

Individual Grand Winners

Kirra Stillman, Aberdeen Central

Breckan Santjer, Aberdeen Central

 

Team Grand Winner

Anna Ahlberg and Corban Landis, Aberdeen Central

 

Student Observer

Samantha Thelen, Northwestern High School

 

2025 Rehfeld Award Winner

Adriana Ratigan, Northwestern High School

 

What makes a good science fair project?

Students: Have you ever wondered how to begin a science fair project - what makes a good project - what sort of project to do? Explore below to learn how to get started!

 

International Science and Engineering Fair

Top winners of the math and science fair have an opportunity to exhibit at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

 

Affiliated with intel ISEF, a program of Society for Science and the Public

SD EPSCOR

 

Email

jodie.ramsay@northern.edu

Telephone

605-626-3384

Location

Jewett Regional Science Building Room 125