For more than half a century, the annual science fair has been a fixture in many a school's academic life, both for science teachers, who guide classes through the hands-on experience of researching topics of interest, and for students, who often hectically put the finishing touches on their work the night before it is exhibited in the school gym or other public space. From there, winning submissions can advance to district or regional science fairs and--with enough scientific know-how and inspiration, as well as school and parental support--to national science competitions. It's a pathway that, for years, has distinguished up-and-coming scientists and has provided a glowing addition to their college applications. While higher-profile international events--from the Intel fair, to the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition, to the recent efforts of Disney and Google--are going strong, there's rising concern about the grassroots science fairs that feed them. Meanwhile, even as some local science competitions shrink, the number of national science fairs and participants is growing. Los Angeles County Science Fair President Dean Gilbert and other science fair supporters are hoping that the recent emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives, the increased number of high schools specializing in science, and the focus on 21st-century skills, will make science fairs a more attractive proposition.