About USEF

The University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair (USEF) was operated by the Utah Science Center from January 2005 through June 2009 and The Leonardo from July through December 2009. The fair is now operated by the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME) at the University of Utah.

The fair is an annual science competition for students in grades 5-12. Participation in science fair stimulates student's interest in science and technology while simultaneously promoting the development of communication, decision making, evaluation of alternative solutions, and critical thinking. USEF is pleased to showcase the inquisitive natures and scientific discoveries of some of the best and brightest young minds from the Canyons, Granite, Murray, North Sanpete, Park City, Salt Lake and Tooele School Districts as well as the Salt Lake Catholic Diocese.

The CSME was established in Fall, 2009 within the Colleges of Education and Science at the University of Utah to facilitate, coordinate and implement collaboration between the two Colleges and with other Colleges and Utah school districts on efforts addressing these concerns within the state and in the nation:

• the increasing need for employees with highly developed mathematics science and engineering knowledge and skills;
• the critical need for more qualified teachers of mathematics and science. In particular, the need for highly qualified teacher-leaders who can raise the level of instruction throughout their districts; and
• 'raising the floor'—insuring that all people are mathematically and scientifically equipped to contribute effectively to 21st century society.