Hello Helen,

The Regional Fairs are starting over the next week and we're so excited to see evidence of student STEM learning and innovation. This newsletter includes some details about the fairs, information about direct entry to the State Fairs in May, and other opportunities for teachers and students.

Regional Districts' Cities and Towns

The two pathways for participation at the State Fair:

Regional Fair Promotion and Direct Entry

All student projects must go through the Regional Fair 

approval systems to participate in either pathway. 

1.Regional Fair Promotion: Through competition at a Regional Fair, top scoring projects are awarded eligibility to enter the statewide Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) as well as the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) or Broadcom for Middle School.

• This is the primary pathway for State Fair participation. Through the Regional Science Fairs, students have the advantage of gaining feedback from expert judges on how to improve their projects and presentation, enabling students to refine their work before the statewide Science Fair.
• Due to the timing of the High School Fairs it is not possible to qualify for ISEF at the statewide fair. However, if you become a delegate for ISEF you must still attend MSEF.
• Eligible Students will receive further instructions to confirm their participation in the statewide fair. Confirmation must be received by deadlines given or they forfeit their chance to participate.

2.Direct Entry: In addition to projects awarded entry in the statewide fair, each high school may send up to two additional student projects (either individual or team projects). Each middle school may send one additional project.

• To qualify for direct entry, a student must already have their project approved by the Regional SRC. This includes any pre-approvals that were required BEFORE experimentation if the project involved any of the restricted areas of research.  If these steps were not taken, the project is not eligible for statewide fair participation.
• Students must be signed up through their school to participate. High School Only: Direct entry names/projects must be provided and confirmed by the school to MSEF at [email protected] within 5 school days after the date of your regional fair award ceremony. Review these dates at the regional zFairs site. Links can be found here.

You can view the high school student information session from February 16th here.

Top 5 Reminders for Virtual Fairs for Students

• Review the judging rubrics
• Make sure your technology is working in advance
• Practice your presentations
• Speak with confidence
• Have fun!

Stay tuned for the new MSEF website coming later in March! We're excited to share both new and updated resources as well as a new layout to help you find the information you need. Scifair.com will become the first step you'll take to help students be Science Fair Ready in Massachusetts.



Sections include:

• Getting Science Fair Ready
• Fairs
• News and Opportunities

More Opportunities

• Society for Science Advocate Program is seeking applications from Grades 6-12 teachers and mentors who work with students from traditionally underrepresented race/ethnicities and low-income households who enter STEM competitions. Deadline is March 6. APPLY HERE

• Summer Research Experiences at WPI for Grades 6-12 teachers. Be a part of Engineering for People and the Planet. Deadline is March 14. APPLY HERE



• Summer Teacher Workshops through MassBioEd. LEARN MORE HERE