Frequently Asked Questions for CWSF Finalists

Frequently Asked Questions for CWSF Finalists

Congratulations on your selection as a Canada-Wide Science Fair finalist! As you prepare for this exciting experience, you likely have many questions. Below are answers to the most common questions finalists and their families have about participating in CWSF.

General CWSF Information

What is the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF)?

The Canada-Wide Science Fair is a prestigious annual event that showcases innovative research and projects from young scientists across the country. It provides a platform for finalists to present their work, network with peers, and gain valuable feedback from expert judges.

Where and when will the 2025 CWSF be held?

The 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair will take place from May 31 to June 7, 2025, at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Is there an app for CWSF notifications?

Yes, there is an app that provides notifications, schedules, and other important information during the fair. You'll receive details about downloading the app during the registration period in early May.

What if I need to withdraw from CWSF?

If you need to withdraw, please notify your delegate and regional coordinator as soon as possible to allow for proper adjustments.

Can I arrive mid-week/leave CWSF early?

No, finalists are expected to attend the entire fair. As per the CWSF Responsibilities - Finalist policy, all finalists must be present for the full duration of the event. If extraordinary circumstances require early departure, you must obtain prior approval from Youth Science Canada's Executive Director. Approval will only be considered for departures after public viewing ends (2:30 PM on Friday). Leaving without permission may result in you/your project partner being disqualified from the competition.

Registration and Project Submission

What are the registration deadlines?

All CWSF registration must be completed by April 21, 2025, at midnight PDT. Your ProjectBoard submission must be completed by April 30, 2025, at midnight PDT.

How do I register for CWSF?

Once your regional fair has submitted your name, you'll be able to register your project and enter important personal information. Your regional delegate or coordinator will assist you through this process.

Can I continue to work on my project after registration?

Yes, you can continue to improve and update your project leading up to the fair. Just be sure to document all changes and updates you make.

Accommodations and Logistics

Where will I stay during the fair?

Finalists stay in university residence halls on campus. You'll likely have a roommate, either from your regional team or from another part of Canada.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, all meals will be provided during the event. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to indicate these during registration so appropriate accommodations can be made.

What happens if I lose my residence key/key card?

Keep your key or key card secure at all times! There is typically a charge for lost keys or key cards. You'll receive a lanyard pouch at registration where you can safely store your key.

Will travel costs be covered for finalists?

Travel from a nearby airport, train/bus station to and from CWSF is covered by the CWSF registration fee that have usually been paid for by your regional STEM fair on your behalf. Depending on where you live, you might be responsible for any extra travel costs required to get you to the nearby meeting point.

Project Display and Presentation

Do I need to use the CWSF poster template provided by Youth Science Canada for my project poster?

Nope! You're welcome to design your own poster but we highly recommend using the CWSF poster templates we provide as they follow best-practices and they're already sized correctly.

Do I need to bring my own tape to affix my project materials?

No, tape will be provided by CWSF for mounting your display materials.

Do I need to laminate my display sheets?

Lamination isn't required but is recommended to protect your display sheets and prevent tearing when tape is applied. If you don't laminate, you can place packing tape on the back of your sheets where you'll be attaching them to prevent tearing.

How should I transport my project poster?

Most finalists use a mailing tube (either cardboard or plastic) to transport their display posters safely.

Should I bring a logbook?

Yes, your project logbook is very important as it documents your research process and methodology. Judges often review logbooks to understand your scientific thinking process.

What if I need extra space for an oversized project display?

Requests for oversized project space can only be granted for innovations. Requests must be submitted by Regional Coordinators, on behalf of a finalist, to the CWSF Fair Director using the Oversized Projects Request Form.

Judging and Awards

How long should my presentation be?

For medal judging sessions (which are 20 minutes total), plan to present for 7-10 minutes, leaving the remainder of time for questions and discussion. For special award judging (10-minute sessions), have a briefer 3-5 minute presentation prepared.

What if I don't know the answer to a judge's question?

It's perfectly acceptable to say "I don't know" to a judge's question. You can add that it's an interesting idea that could be part of future research or explorations of your project. See more presentation tips.

Will I receive feedback from the judges?

While judges evaluate your project carefully, they aren't able to provide personalized feedback to individual finalists during or after the fair due to the large number of projects and time constraints.

Personal Items and Preparation

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes, you should bring identification with you, including your health card. This is important both for travel and in case of any emergencies.

Should I bring money?

Yes, it's recommended to bring some spending money for souvenirs (CWSF has a gift shop) and any personal expenses. Discuss with your parents an appropriate amount to bring.

What do I need to bring to CWSF?

There is a packing list included in the Finalist Guide which you should refer to. 

Will there be Wi-Fi available?

Yes, Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the campus, including in residence halls, the project display area, and main activity areas.

Parents and Visitors

Can parents visit finalists at CWSF?

Yes, parents can visit during designated public viewing times, typically Thursday and Friday of the fair week. However, note that finalists have a full schedule of activities, so visiting time may be limited. Learn more at cwsf-espc.ca/parents.

Can family members attend the Awards Ceremony?

Yes, family members can attend the Awards Ceremony, but they will need tickets. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase through the online YSC Store starting May 1, 2025.

Other Activities

What activities are there beyond judging?

CWSF includes numerous activities such as workshops, lab visits, tours, social events, and networking opportunities. There will also be finalist lounges where you can relax, play games, and participate in pin trading with other finalists.

What is pin trading?

Pin trading is a popular CWSF tradition where finalists exchange pins representing their regions or provinces. It's a fun way to meet other participants and collect memorabilia from across Canada. 

Is there time to connect with other finalists?

Yes! Beyond the structured activities, there are many opportunities to meet other participants through social events, finalist lounges, shared meals, and activities. Many finalists form long-lasting friendships during their CWSF experience.

Need More Information?

If you have questions not answered here, your best resource is your regional delegate who can provide specific information and guidance. You can also find more detailed information in the Finalist Guide.

Remember, being selected as a CWSF finalist is already a significant achievement. Approach this experience with enthusiasm, curiosity, and openness to new connections and opportunities!


    • Related Articles

    • Frequently Asked Questions - ProjectBoard

      Is it possible to remove the bottom fixed titles for every section as it is more vague? No. We're using a consistent template, including the section titles, on purpose as it allows for a better experience for visitors and judges. Is there a way to ...
    • Frequently Asked Questions - YSC Portal

      I can't connect my ProjectBoard project to my registration because it doesn't show up in My Projects in the YSC Portal. Why doesn't it show up? All regional STEM fairs and CWSF projects must be set to Public, which means that anyone with the direct ...
    • CWSF Participation Overview: What You Need to Know

      Congratulations on being selected as a finalist for the Canada-Wide Science Fair! This is an incredible achievement and the beginning of an unforgettable experience. To help you prepare for this exciting event, here's an overview of essential ...
    • CWSF Awards Ceremony: What to Expect

      The Awards Ceremony is one of the most anticipated events of the Canada-Wide Science Fair, bringing together all participants to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young scientists from across the country. Here's everything finalists and ...
    • How to Complete Your CWSF Finalist Registration in the YSC Portal

      Welcome to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) registration guide. This article will provide you with all the necessary steps to successfully register as a finalist in the YSC Portal. Whether you are new to the system or returning for another ...