EVENT PREPARATION
1. Read and make a list of the materials needed for each event (or highlight them in the manual). Be sure to pack what you need. There are stores, but it will save time to have everything with you.
2. Pack/check the material a few days ahead, in case there are any last minute needs.
3. Be sure to have GOGGLES, calculators and pencils for every group and make sure that the school name is on all of the equipment. GOGGLES and pencils are on most of the event lists, but every year, someone forgets.
4. Put a parent/chaperone in charge of collecting and repacking all of the boxes after each event. Check to make sure you have ALL of your (labeled) GOGGLES.
5. It is a good idea to put the SCHOOL’S NAME on all of your equipment. That way it can find you!! Did I mention GOGGLES??
6. Ship some materials ahead, if you need to. There will be a site on campus to pick up materials. There will also be a site on campus set up for return shipping.

CEREMONIES
1. For the SWAP MEET, if every student contributes 15-20 of two items (they can get these donated as easily as you can), there will be plenty to swap. Try to get things that are representative of the state but not just pencils, if possible. Call the state/local government agencies. Don’t forget the fun stuff!! One fun thing the kids like to exchange are license plates from different states.

2. OPENING CEREMONIES: On the night of opening ceremonies for the National competition, all state competitors are introduced. Usually a small number of representatives (you may want to elect/appoint these in advance) carry out the State flag and the school flag/banner to represent the participants. Many teams “dress up” to represent the state – “cheese heads” from Wisconsin, “Cowboys” from Texas, etc. You may want to think of some appropriate dress for your team members to wear. Some students just dress as “science nerds.” It gives a recognition factor to the team and the State. Many students wear all or part of the “costumes” for the competition.

3. CLOSING CEREMONIES: Ask the team members to be sure to pack some Sunday clothes for the closing ceremonies. It is always nice to see them dressed up for the awards presentation. Suits or coats are not necessary, but a tie and a nice shirt for boys and perhaps a dress/skirt or nice slacks for the girls.