About Us
The main goal for the Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair is to support science and engineering education in public schools. Students from junior high and high schools all over northern Utah are invited to compete in an academic setting where they present their findings and observations from independent research projects. Many students are awarded for their knowledge and application of the scientific method and are qualified for a chance to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair. Categories for independent research include: Botany, Chemistry, Earth/Space Sciences, Energy/Transportation, Engineering/Computer Science, Environmental, Math/Physics/Astronomy, Medical/Health, Microbiology, Social/Behavioral, and Zoology.
Weber State has been the heart of the Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair since the mid-1950’s. The fair is named in honor of Harold W. and Helen M. Ritchey. Harold Ritchey was a scientist at heart and was the inventor of detergent motor oil in addition to owning patents in rocket propulsion, astronautics, petroleum and nuclear science. He was the chair of the board at Thiokol Chemical Company (now Northrop Grumman) from 1949-1977. The Ritchey Family Foundation continues to support the Ritchey Scholarship as well as the Harold W. and Helen H. Ritchey Northern Utah Science and Engineering Fair and the College of Science Ritchey Lecture Series.
Junior Science Fair: 6th-8th Grade
The junior science fair provides students with an opportunity to present their findings and observations from an independent research project of their choosing. Participating offers valuable benefits that go beyond science knowledge. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Students develop essential research skills, including data collection and analysis, while also improving public speaking and presentation abilities. The process fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership, and sparks interest in future STEM careers. Overall, they provide a unique opportunity to build confidence, academic skills, and a passion for discovery.
Senior Science Fair: 9th-12th Grade
The senior science fair provides high school students an opportunity to apply the scientific method to a chosen area of independent study and present their findings to a unique collection of industry professionals, university faculty and other students with similar areas of interest. Students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge and correct application of the scientific method as it applies to their research will be awarded and qualify for a chance to advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair.