How to Win the Louisiana Science & Engineering Fair (LSEF)

Dreaming of a medal at the Louisiana Science & Engineering Fair? This guide covers how the fair works, how to qualify through your regional fair, and how to build a project that stands out and potentially advances all the way to ISEF.

Louisiana's science fairs run as a network of regional fairs that feed into the state-level Louisiana Science & Engineering Fair (LSEF), hosted by LSU Online & Continuing Education. Students first compete at their regional fair based on their parish, and top projects advance to the state fair. Each fair is split into a Junior Division (grades 6–8) and a Senior Division (grades 9–12).

Louisiana's Regional Science Fairs

Find your regional fair by parish, then aim to advance to the state LSEF. Dates below are for the 2026 cycle, always confirm the current schedule and deadlines on each fair's official site, as they shift annually.

How the LSEF Works

The Louisiana Science & Engineering Fair celebrates student creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving across a wide range of categories, from engineering and the biological sciences to the physical sciences. Both the regional fairs and the state fair are split into two divisions: the Junior Division for grades 6–8 and the Senior Division for grades 9–12, so you compete against students at your own level.

To reach the state fair, you first qualify through a regional fair (most held in January and February), where placing well in your division earns your ticket to state. At every level, you present your project through a display board and an oral presentation, and judges evaluate your research, methodology, results, and conclusions.

Categories at LSEF

LSEF uses the same category structure as ISEF, so choosing the right one is an important early decision.

The categories are:

• Animal Sciences,

• Behavioral and Social Sciences,

• Biochemistry,

• Biomedical and Health Sciences,

• Biomedical Engineering,

• Cellular and Molecular Biology,

• Chemistry,

• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics,

• Earth and Environmental Sciences,

• Embedded Systems,

• Energy (Sustainable Materials and Design),

• Engineering Technology (Statics and Dynamics),

• Environmental Engineering,

• Materials Science,

• Mathematics,

• Microbiology,

• Physics and Astronomy,

• Plant Sciences,

• Robotics and Intelligent Machines,

• Systems Software,

• Technology Enhances the Arts,

• Translational Medical Science.

Choosing the right project category is worth real thought.

How to Plan Your Project

Start by brainstorming the area of science or engineering that genuinely interests you, then research topics within it to find a strong, specific question, our guide to crafting the perfect science fair question walks through how to land on one.

From there, decide on your category so you can register your project, and line up the resources and mentor support you'll need; your school science advisor is often the best first stop.

If your project involves human participants, vertebrate animals, or hazardous materials, you'll also need SRC (Scientific Review Committee) review before you begin, so build that into your timeline early.

Master the Scientific Method (or Engineering Design Process)

LSEF rewards a rigorous approach, so use the framework that fits your project. For a science project, follow the scientific method: identify a question that intrigues you, research existing knowledge, form a testable hypothesis, run an experiment to collect accurate data, analyze whether it supports your hypothesis, and draw your conclusions.

For an engineering project, use the design process: define the problem, research and design possible solutions, build a prototype, test and improve it, then communicate your findings.

How You're Judged

LSEF's judging rewards depth across several areas: a clearly defined research problem tied to existing scientific literature; sound design and methodology; careful execution with well-tested prototypes or experiments and thorough data analysis; genuine creativity; and a strong presentation, both a clear, logically organized poster and a confident interview.

In the Q&A interview especially, judges look for concise, thoughtful answers, a real understanding of your results and their limitations, the degree of independence you showed, and your ideas for further research.

Next Step: Qualify for ISEF or the Thermo Fisher JIC

The top projects at LSEF can advance to national and international competition, depending on grade level: the senior division (grades 9-12) may qualify for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The junior division (grades 6-8) may be nominated for the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).

Equip Yourself to Win With ScienceFair

Winning at LSEF takes a strong, original project, rigorous research, and a confident presentation, and that's exactly what ScienceFair helps you build. Every coach on our team is a past science fair winner, and alongside our Ivy League research mentors, they'll help you refine your idea, strengthen your research, and prepare for the judges' Q&A.

Ready to make your run at the Louisiana Science & Engineering Fair? Schedule a call with our academic advisor.