High School Fair 2024
The 2024 Regional Science Fair was held at WPI on March 8th!
How to Enter:
The Science Fair Ready Checklist outlines the entire science fair process from start to finish and can be viewed here.
The Worcester Regional Science & Engineering Fair encourages scientifically talented Worcester area high school (9-12) students to enter the annual fair held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. It is not necessary for a school to hold its own science fair in order to enter the Regional Fair. Students involved in research or independent study projects may enter directly. Each school may send up to twelve (12) projects to the regional fair each year. Students must inform and consult with their science teacher and school before beginning a science research project.
The science fair provides an invaluable experience for students to present their work and share ideas with others. Science inquiry and research are also part of the Massachusetts Science Curriculum Frameworks.
The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (Team or Individual) Student Checklist (1A), Research Plan, Approval Form (1B), and Checklist for Teacher (1) must be completed and submitted for each project. Students can access these forms and other forms necessary for restricted areas of research by using the MSSEF Online Wizard (zFAIRS). This wizard-like software will lead students through the account application process and generate the forms needed for the project. The students will then need to complete the forms, obtain signatures and then upload the forms to their zFAIRS account. NOTE: An account should NOT be created until you are ready to upload your project proposal in its entirety!
The Scientific Review Committee (SRC) must review and approve the project before the experiment can begin. The SRC will review projects as they are submitted, but make note of the deadlines.
Projects chosen to enter the Regional Fair must complete registration by: February 5th
Additional resources for students completing a science fair project can be viewed below:
Information for the Science and Engineering Fair
Rules and Regulations:
The Worcester Regional Science & Engineering Fair (WRSEF) is affiliated with the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) and the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). Therefore, the WRSEF must adhere to the rules and regulations of the MSSEF, ISEF and all applicable State/Local Laws.
View the High School Fair Manual here.
View the MSSEF Handbooks and Forms here.
Rules and Guidelines specifically for WRSEF High School Fair
General Standards - 2024 Fair
Students may enter projects on any scientific, mathematical, or engineering subject. The exhibitor must be in grades 9-12 in any public, private, or parochial charter or home school in the Worcester Regional District. No distinction by grade is made in judging or granting awards. Projects may be the work of an individual student or a team.
The maximum number of projects from each school is 12.
Team Projects
Teams should consist of no more than three students. Each team member should be fully involved in the project. and should be equally engaged in conversations with judges.
Team projects will be evaluated using the same rules and judging criteria as individual projects.
Team projects are eligible for awards at the Regional Fair and can compete in the State Fair.
Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Deadlines:
December 18, 2023: FINAL deadline to submit project for SRC approval PRIOR to experimentation - projects submitted after this date will not be considered for the 2023 WRSEF Fair.
February 5, 2024: Projects must be registered on ZFairs for the Regional Fair by MIDNIGHT on February 5th!
Project Submission Requirements for Competition in the Fair:
Students will need to submit an abstract to z-fairs by Midnight on February 5th.
Students are expected to have a laboratory notebook and a poster presentation at the fair.
2024 Dates and Deadlines:
High School Fair Deadlines:
December 18th - MIDNIGHT: Deadline for Project Pre-Approval/Consent and Safety Forms via z-fairs
February 5th, 2024 - All projects must be registered on ZFairs by Midnight. Schools will report their estimated number of projects on this date as well.
March 1, 2024: Schools submit final number of projects planning to attend the fair to the Chair of WRSEF.
March 8th, 2024: MA Region 2 Science & Engineering Fair at WPI, Awards Ceremony around 4pm
April 5, 2023: Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair - Gillette Stadium
May 11-17, 2023: International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), Los Angeles, CA
The Day of the Fair - Tentative Agenda:
Student Arrival and Registration: 7:45 am - 8:15 am
Safety Check: 7:30 am - 9 am
Judging Arrival: 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Judge Orientation: 8:30 am - 9 am
Project Judging: 9 am - 2 pm
Lunch time slots will be assigned upon arrival
Scores Close: 2:30 pm
Public Viewing: 2 pm - 3:45 pm
Award Ceremony: 4 pm - 5 pm