YOUR IDEAS. REAL RESEARCH. REAL IMPACT.
Interested in solving a real problem, testing an idea, designing something new, or exploring a question that matters? TCHS students can develop original research through STEM Fair and explore advanced research opportunities through SPARK. All grades and academies are welcome. You do not need a finished project idea to ask about participating.
Choose Your Research Pathway
STEM Fair
The St. Johns County School District Secondary STEM Fair gives students the opportunity to investigate scientific questions, develop engineering solutions, analyze data, and present original research. Eligible projects may advance to state-level competition and potentially the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
District STEM Fair: February 2, 2027 | Awards ceremony: February 4, 2027
SPARK & Advanced Research
Students interested in SPARK or advanced mentored research should contact Mr. Samples promptly for program-specific eligibility, application instructions, mentor expectations, and deadlines. SPARK requirements are separate from STEM Fair requirements; participating in one does not automatically register or qualify a student for the other.
IMPORTANT: A district calendar entry lists “SPARK Projects Due” on October 16, 2026. Confirm which SPARK program this refers to and whether late or alternative submission arrangements exist before posting application instructions.
How to Start a STEM Fair Project
- Find a question — Identify something you want to understand, improve, design, or test.
- Develop a research plan — Describe your question, methods, materials, data, analysis, and possible risks.
- Review forms and approvals — Meet with Mr. Samples and complete the required forms. Some research needs additional SRC or IRB approval.
- Wait for required approval — Do not begin experimentation or data collection until all required approvals are in place.
- Carry out and document your work — Follow your approved plan, maintain a research log, and analyze your results.
- Prepare to present — Write your abstract after the research, prepare visuals, and practice explaining your results.
Date | Milestone |
October 30, 2026 | TCHS suggested research-plan target |
November 13, 2026 | TCHS suggested first paperwork review target |
December 4, 2026 | District student roster deadline |
December 7, 2026 | District research paperwork deadline |
December 8–16, 2026 | District SRC review window |
December 17, 2026 | District corrections returned |
January 11, 2027 | Corrected paperwork due |
February 2, 2027 | SJCSD Secondary STEM Fair |
February 4, 2027 | District awards ceremony |
Dates reflect the current TCHS planning materials and should be reconfirmed with the district. TCHS targets are suggested internal checkpoints, not district deadlines.
Forms, Rules & Research Resources
Use the official district website as the source for current forms, rules, research-plan directions, judging guidance, and other required documents:
SJCSD Secondary STEM Fair website https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/stem-fair/secondary/
Students may need Form 1 (Adult Sponsor), Form 1A (Student Checklist), Form 1B (Approval), a Research Plan, Form 2A (Student Support Disclosure), and Form 3 (Risk Assessment), along with additional project-specific forms. Confirm the current form set and requirements with Mr. Samples and the district before submission.
Projects involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, or hazardous chemicals/devices/activities may require additional approval. Students must not assume that submitting forms authorizes them to begin research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a project idea before asking for help? No. Bring your interests and questions; we can work on narrowing them into a feasible project.
Can I participate if I am not in a STEM-focused academy? Yes. Students from every TCHS academy and grade level are encouraged to explore research.
Can my project be entered in both STEM Fair and SPARK? Possibly, if it meets the separate requirements of each program. Discuss this with Mr. Samples before assuming that one set of forms or approvals covers both.
Can I start collecting data now? Not until the required project reviews and approvals are complete. Ask before beginning experimentation or recruiting participants.
Questions? Contact
Mr. Michael Samples
Room 04-235 | [email protected]
Ready to get started? Visit Room 04-235 or email Mr. Samples with your interests, project idea (if you have one), and whether you are interested in STEM Fair, SPARK, or both.