Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair Records

4.0 linear feet (4 records boxes)

This collection documents the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair (ESDSEF) and its affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), highlighting South Dakota State University’s commitment to promoting youth involvement in STEM education. The records span multiple decades and include materials generated by fair administrators, faculty sponsors, student participants, and national science fair organizations. The collection provides a comprehensive record of the structure, planning, and execution of science fairs held at the local, regional, and international levels.

Materials include SDSU-produced programs, brochures, and informational packets for teachers and students, detailing schedules, participant guidelines, and educational outreach strategies. Judging procedures and award documentation are extensive, with files covering evaluation criteria, awards distribution, and artifacts such as first, second, and third place trophies, gold, silver, and bronze medals, and commemorative pins. Budget and planning records offer insight into event logistics, including correspondence, expense reports, and scrapbook documentation. A range of photographs and memorabilia complement these administrative files.

The collection also contains extensive documentation from ISEF, including directories of affiliated fairs, rule books, finalist packets, student forms, travel and housing instructions, and press materials. Of particular significance is the nearly uninterrupted run of published ISEF abstract books for the 26th through the 54th fairs, which preserve records of student research from across the country and internationally. Additional ISEF materials include miscellaneous brochures, judging instructions, and tour information. One program from the 65th ESDSEF and a ball cap from the 50th ISEF are also present.

While the majority of the collection focuses on science fair operations and participation, minimal information is available on Sigma Xi. The Sigma Xi content consists only of scattered planning notes and proposals, indicating a minor advisory or sponsorship role in the fair’s administration.

The collection documents SDSU’s leadership in regional STEM outreach, its connection to national science education efforts, and its long-term support of student inquiry and achievement in science. The fair records reflect evolving scientific interests among youth, institutional engagement in community education, and South Dakota’s participation in global STEM networks.

The collection is arranged by item type.

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Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

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In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

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Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.