Building Curiosity

The first step to getting Science Fair Ready is being curious. Lay the foundation for Science Fair projects by encouraging critical thinking and innovative ideas. We have redesigned the 'Get Science Fair Ready' section of www.scifair.com to provide tools and templates, videos, and curated websites.

The 'Students' page is for students to navigate. It includes a student created podcast on the steps of the Science Fair process as well as useful sources for inspiration and information.

The 'Educators' page is for you. Find resources for student mentors, activities for the classroom, and updated FAQs.

Most resources on www.scifair.com can be copied or downloaded for you to adapt for your classroom.

We know that all Middle School fair programs are on different timelines depending on the date of your Regional Fair. (See zFairs for dates.)

Bookmark this link to find these newsletters later for stage-specific resources.

Turning an Idea into a Research Plan

The research plan is one of the most important tools to set students up for success with their project. Not only does it make the review process easier, but it also helps the students think out WHAT they would like to accomplish and HOW.

Sometimes in the process of drafting their plan they identify issues that could have derailed them later.

Check out these guiding resources and adapt the one that's right for your students.

MAMS Paperwork Packet

Middle School students should fill out the research plan (Form 1B) in the MAMS Paperwork Packet. Upload as a separate document if more space is needed.

zFairs support

We never want paperwork and websites to keep students from participating in science fair programming. We're here to help.

Middle School zFairs Tutorial: Statewide zFairs tutorials:

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

All teachers must create an account on this site before their students.

Deadlines:

Regional dates can be found at MAMS.zfairs.com. Accounts must be created and marked ready for review one month before the regional fair date.
Students with projects in restricted areas must submit before experimentation.
Contact us to discuss how best to streamline account creation and uploads for your school needs. We're here to help.

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.

Resources and Opportunities:

Join the Science Fair Ready Network to stay up to date on information and opportunities. Sign up here and/or join our teacher-only Facebook group.
Encourage students to sign up for our newsletter here or follow us on Instagram at @MassScienceFair.
Let me know if you'd like help connecting to your regional fair contacts about the event or local opportunities.
Middle School students are eligible for the Feedback Pen Pal program. Sign up here for short-term support with a STEM professional by video or email.
You can book an appt with me to plan for the year.

We can't wait to connect with you.

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.

Massachusetts Science + Engineering Fair | scifair.com