We're ready when you're ready

The updates for the 2025 Science Fair season are now available.

This includes

• Updated Manual and Science Fair Ready FAQs
• Reorganization of www.scifair.com
• Access to the new MAMS.zfairs.com with project submission instructions for all regions
• New resources for you and your students
• New judge rubric for the 2025 Regional and State Fairs

We know project schedules are staggered from the fall into the spring but remember that you are part of the MSEF network all year long. Let us know how we can help inspire strong project starts and inspire students to see themselves as Science Fair kids.

It's a new Science Fair year. Where do you start?

Whether you are new to Science Fair or have been involved for awhile, we suggest starting at www.scifair.com/science-fair-ready. This section will provide you with links about the steps of leading student projects including resources and best practices.

You can also use and adapt this student planning template. Download or make a copy to your drive. The template includes

• sections for students to reflect on each stage of the project,
• prompts to encourage critical thinking,
• and the opportunity for mentor, teacher, or peer feedback.

At www.scifair.com/fairs you can find the overview of the steps you and your students will need to follow to participate in the regional and/or state fairs like deadlines and paperwork.

Reach out to info@scifair.com anytime for help. We can also help to connect you to your regional fair committee.

Think Tank Playbook

This slide deck was created in partnership with Acera EI. It covers an 8-step process to help students ideate, research, and create a plan of action for their project.

The Middle School FAQs is a visual guide to the rules and requirements

In the new Middle School Manual, check out the cover for a list of updates.

Remember: The search function can be used in the manual for keywords or vocabulary to help you navigate. For example, if a student wants to understand the rules for 'fuel cells' they can search in the body of the document for any reference.

Submissions: Website and Paperwork Packets

• All Middle School projects when ready for submission should go through the Statewide Review at MAMS.zfairs.com
• Paperwork and permissions are bundled into one primary packet for Middle School. See blue box below for more details.
• Deadlines for submission are NO LATER than 1 month before your regional fair date but we encourage submission in advance so students have time for review and project work.

• Attention Large Programs: Schools with a large number of projects (20+) can contact MSEF to streamline the process and deadlines.

Middle School zFairs and Paperwork Tutorials:



• zFairs Account creation video (9 mins)
• Paperwork Package video (9 mins)
• Slideshow
• email middleschool@scifair.com to schedule a live orientaton

New Classroom Poster

Download this PDF and print as a 16x20 classroom poster for your wall.

The poster walks through the steps to participate, the required components, and info about websites and handbooks. 

Reach out for info on how to receive a pre-printed copy in the mail.

Find a Middle School student recruitment flyer here. Use or adapt this flyer to encourage students to get involved in science fair.

Rebekah Stendahl

Program Director

rstendahl@scifair.com

Book with me

Advancing science and engineering literacy since 1949, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) was founded by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, MIT professors, and a group of pioneering K-12 science educators. 

MSEF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.