Science Fair Starts Here

This summer, we are simplifying the process to participate in science fair to help you and your students focus on the core science and engineering experience, while keeping everyone safe and science fair ready.

To get started you'll go to

ONE WEBSITE

and download

ONE PACKET OF PAPERWORK*

and follow

FOUR STEPS.

We listened to you about what has been working and what has been a challenge and made some high impact changes that still keep the core process familiar. While we work on finalizing the websites and instructions, here's a sneak peek on the process.

*High School students working in restricted areas may need to fill out additional documentation.

Step 1: Planning 

Starting this fall, you can log on to MAHS.zfairs.com (9-12th grade) or MAMS.zfairs.com (6-8th grade) for project approvals for ALL regions.

Review deadlines, rules, system tutorial, and download the paperwork package that includes all the required forms bundled together.

• Packet includes required forms for both individual or team projects
• Packets include streamlined permissions for adult signatures
• Note: High School projects in restricted areas may need additional paperwork, the majority of projects can be approved with one packet.

Step 2: Submission

Fill out the paperwork package with student information and step-by-step project/research plan and safety requirements.

Submit on the zfairs site for review. Rolling submissions with final deadline for all projects as posted.

One teachers mark projects ready for review, the MSEF Review Committee will approve for participation or request follow-up for rule compliance. Most projects are expected to be approved without advanced paperwork.

Step 3: Project Work

DO THE WORK on projects and prepare for showcasing at a school, district, regional or state fair. We'll provide guidance on required project components.

Step 4: Fair Specific Details and Preparation

• Regional Fair Participation: Approximately 1 month before the regional fair, the regional chair will reach out to teachers to confirm participation. Most regional high school fairs are in early March. Regional middle school fairs are scheduled between March and early May.

• State Fair Participation: Students qualify for the State Fair based on placement or are chosen as a 'direct entry' for the State Fair directly from their school. The 2025 High School State Fair will be on Friday, April 4^th at Gillette Stadium. The 2025 Middle School State Fair will be in mid-May TBD.

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.