If Part 1 of this series was about the grind of getting to ISEF, Part 2 is about what happens once you’re finally there. No matter how many science fairs you’ve been to before, nothing really prepares you for the scale, the energy, and the sheer whirlwind of an ISEF week. From the moment you arrive to the last applause at the awards ceremony, the experience is equal parts overwhelming, exhausting, and exhilarating. I’ll take you behind the scenes of what a week at the world’s

When people see the photos from ISEF—the massive expo hall, students in blazers standing by huge boards, judges with clipboards—it feels like the Olympics of science fairs. And honestly, it kind of is. But those photos skip the most important part: the months of choosing a topic, wrestling with time, fixing broken code, re-formatting posters, and managing the “am I even good enough?” thoughts that sneak in. This is the part you don’t see. And it’s the part that gets you to IS

So far in this series, we’ve walked through every step of the research process: from curiosity and topic selection, through methodology and data analysis, to publishing and competing. Along the way, one question often comes up: Where do I actually find resources? Research can sometimes feel like a privilege reserved for those with access to expensive databases, lab equipment, or paid mentorship. But the truth is, there are countless free resources  out there that high schoole

Throughout this series, I've covered the entire research process: from curiosity and topic selection all the way to publishing and competing. But here’s the truth: very few researchers do it all alone. Behind every strong project is often a network of mentors, peers, and collaborators who provide guidance, feedback, and partnership. For high schoolers especially, mentorship and collaboration can be the difference between struggling in isolation and thriving with support. Yet