Frequently Asked Questions by Parents and Guardians

Here are some common questions you may have about our fair or your child’s science fair project.

Q: Can I stay with my child throughout the fair?
A: There will be times when the fair is open to the public (See schedule), however during judging no parents are allowed on the floor.

Q: Where is the Greater Vancouver Science Fair being held?
A: The fair will be held in the Great Hall of the AMS Student Nest at UBC’s Vancouver campus.

Q: Can I be there while the student is being judged?
A: No, the judges need to have one-on-one time with the student while judging.

Q: Who can we direct questions to at the fair?
A: Volunteers and Committee members will be available to help answer questions you may have. They will be wearing red t-shirts, and name-tags identifying them as committee members.

Q: What happens at a Science Fair?
A: Judging, student activities, UBC lab tours, awards ceremony

Q: How are students chosen for the Canada Wide Science Fair?
A: Students will be judged to determine what projects are at the level necessary for the Canada Wide Science Fair.

Q: Can I help my child with their project?
A: Some assistance can be given, however each project should represent the ideas and work of the child.

Q: I don’t have a science background, how can I encourage my child to complete science fair projects?
A: Science fair projects are just as much about learning how to develop a question, predicting what is going to happen, experimenting and developing conclusions as it is about the science itself. Encourage your child to ask questions and use the many resources available.

Q: My school does not have a science fair, what is the process for my student to compete at the GVRSF?
A: Please contact our Chair for more information.

Q: My child is homeschooled, and would like to participate in your fair, what is the process for registration?
A: The Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair is open to all students in the Greater Vancouver area in a grade equivalent to Grade 7 – 12. A student’s grade is determined by their 1701 status with the BC Ministry of Education (this applies for all kids in BC public and private). In the absence of this information, the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF) Organizing Committee would need to base eligibility on the child’s birth year (the regular determinant for 1701 status).

If you have a question not listed here, please contact us.