Since international participants need more time to overcome their jetlag and readjust to a completely new environment, Intel ISEF allowed 3 days for set up. The entire Michigan group cleared all of the immediate SRC violations the previous day, so our fair directors encouraged us all to attend one of the many workshops that Science Service provided (ISEF slang, 'shoptalks').

One of the most popular shoptalks, which is provided every year, is called "Talking Science." This shoptalk teaches you how to highlight the positive points of your project and how to handle questions that you don't know the answer to. It is highly recommended for finalists and teachers alike to attend and understanding how the judging at Intel ISEF works.

ISEF also allows for a lot of free time to roam around the city and explore its tourist attractions. Those of us in the Detroit group who didn't sign up for any tours for the week were kept plenty occupied at the mini shopping plaza that was located just a short block away from the convention center.

Later in the night, Intel ISEF held its host city opening ceremony, which was almost like a rock concert for us science nerds. There were musical interludes, extensive lighting details, speakers that blared background music and of course 1,500 kids, their teachers, some parents and all of the judges all crowded together in a giant mess screaming when their respective countries were announced in attendance. It was truly a breathtaking experience, and I never expected anything like it.