How to succeed at a Science Fair: A Practical Guide for Grades 5-12
Science Fairs are important platforms where a student can have a positive experience with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) while working on a project that they enjoy and find interesting. During this endeavor, students learn to use Scientific Method and to organize and communicate ideas as they gain confidence in scientific writing and public speaking. All these experiences prove to be invaluable for individuals who wish to matriculate into and to perform well in selective colleges and universities. There is a plethora of science fair opportunities for STEM oriented students ranging from grades 5-12. These range from the non-competitive “explore and grow” STEM venues to the highly rigorous “compete and advance” venues. Students who start in the non-competitive venues often find that they enjoy STEM research and decide to switch from the less competitive path to the more competitive path as their interest in the STEM subject or process grows after their initial experiences.
Competitive vs Non-competitive STEM Venues
In the low-stakes science fair competitions, students can design and conduct experiments in their classroom or at home, the judging style is educational and encouraging, and the students need not advance to a higher level unless they wish to. Finally, the students who participate in fairs at this level enjoy a much shorter commitment than that required in the high-stakes competitions.
Some students choose to conduct their study in an R01 or R15 level university research lab when competing in the high-stakes science fair competitions. This is not necessary. Many elegant, award-winning projects can be and have been conducted in a home or school setting. However, the project will be more rigorous than that of a low-stakes science fair project and the judges will have extremely high expectations of the student participant. The judges appreciate projects that are original and novel in conception and execution. An award-winning project should have “real world” relevance. The presenters demonstrate both depth and breadth of understanding of the project, adherence to excellent experimental design with the appropriate controls and variables, and a long-term commitment to the project. Students who wish to excel in prestigious science fairs like ISEF benefit from starting their research early.
Science Fair Pathways for Students Grades 5-12
Regardless of your age or whether you choose the “grow and explore” or the “compete and advance” path, there is a hierarchy to the process. Entry level participation typically starts at the school level; for students in grades 5 through 8, participation is often required. For the noncompetitive track, schools may give out simple awards or participation ribbons; students who perform well at this level may be selected to represent the school in a district or city-wide fair. At this level, the judging style is friendly and educational but is more structured as the judges use a rubric to objectively rank the participants. Students who do well at this level may be invited to participate in a Regional Science Fair, at this level the fair is typically ISEF affiliated for those who wish to transfer to a more competitive track; however, these fairs generally offer “non-competitive, exhibit only” categories for those who prefer a low to moderate pressure experience. From this point on, students have decided to commit to a high-stakes STEM experience. Students who place 1st or 2nd at the regional level fair, that is ISEF-affiliated, are eligible to compete in a State level ISEF affiliated fair or in National/International competitions; these high ranking fairs include the Broadcom Masters for students in grades 6 through 8 and the Regeneron-ISEF or Regeneron-STS for high school students.
A Note from Me
As a PhD-level biology educator with nearly two decades of experience mentoring students I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this process can be. Whether a student is hesitant or highly motivated, there’s a path that can support their growth, build their confidence, and spark their curiosity.
If your student needs help getting started, choosing a topic, or preparing to present, I offer one-on-one science fair coaching for students in grades 5–12. Click here to schedule a free consultation or project review.