Why and how to support student projects

Where do I start?, and other FAQs

• Where do I start?

  If you are new to Science Fair, 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 [email protected] anytime for help.

   

   

• What do I do as the teacher if a student is working on a project outside of school?
  • Students must select a school and teacher to support their participation. Communication through zFairs and from the SRC goes to the Teacher. The Teacher is also responsible for the academic integrity ofthe project by reviewing the project plan and making sure the student is following both MSEF and the school’s ethics standards. In most cases the teacher is also the “Adult Sponsor” on the project, in which case they have additional responsibilities as well. As a teacher alone, they are responsible for:
    • Reviewing MSEF and school ethics statements with the student, and reviewing applicable rules.
    • Providing signed ‘permission’ on the paperwork packet as the teacher.
    • Creating an account in zFairs before the student. Marking the completed paperwork ‘ready for review.’
    • Monitoring any communication with the SRC for project approval follow-up as needed.
    • Communicating with MSEF and Regional Fairs about students’ participation in the Fair(s). (Filling out any registration, passing on required communication to the student/sponsor)

  If a school is unable to fill this role, students may work with a non-profit or municipal organization but should reach out to [email protected] or their region to discuss.

• How do I help guide my students to strong project ideas?

  Consider asking your student prompts about their project to make sure they are thinking through their project carefully. Prompts include:

  • Can you do the project in the time you have?
  • What materials do you have access to?
  • Do you want to work on your own or in a team?
  • Is there a skill you would like to learn or practice?

  Find a more prompts here.

• What are the roles of adults that support Science Fair Ready students?

  To ensure student and community safety, as well as a fair and equitable process, there are several potential adult roles for student projects.

  At all levels, both Middle School and High School, students must have permission from the named adults before starting a project. MSEF and ISEF use the term ‘Adult Sponsor’ to refer to the adult who is overseeing project work. In most cases this is the teacher, but not always. Since MSEF participation is sponsored by the school, we have added clarity on the role of the Teacher AND the Adult Sponsor in case these roles are filled by different people.

  • Teacher: oversight for academic integrity & ethics of your project. Provides permission to participate.
  • “Adult Sponsor”: The person helping most closely with the project. Provides oversight to the scientific integrity & ethics of your project. Signs off on the forms. This is often the teacher.
  • Parent/Guardian: Provides permission for participation. May provide oversight for any work conducted at home.
  • “Designated Supervisors” (MS & HS) and/or Qualified Scientist (HS only): These additional adult roles are needed for certain projects in restricted areas if any project work that requires supervision. Can be teacher, a qualified parent, or another adult depending on needs and qualifications.
• What is a suggested time line for project work?

  Setting incremental deadlines for various stages of the projects will set up students for success. Think about how that fits into your classroom schedule and assessment. Here is one timeline students can follow by week:

  Pre-work: Use curiosity activities, science journaling, or work with a non-profit or industry content partner so students have some ideas to build on. Start using project notebook.

  Week 1: Question or Problem Formulation: submit draft with at least 5 sources of background research, review fair rules for what is permitted. Revise.

  Week 2: Submit to teacher final question or problem statement and background research notes with works cited

  Week 3: Download research plan template and draft plan, review with teacher

  Week 4: Finalize, get signatures, and submit project plan to zFairs and wait for approval.

  Week 5: Continue background research, prep initial materials, or create framework for research paper while you wait. Modify research plan if necessary based on Scientific Review Committee feedback.

  Week 6: Order and prep supplies and get started

  Week 7: Collect data, test, modify, adjust. Any changes to protocol should go to [email protected] for re-approval.

  Week 8: Perform initial analysis of data and results. Share with peers for feedback. Anything missing? Run tests or experiments again if possible, at least 3 times.

  Week 9: Draft research paper, submit for feedback

  Week 10: Finalize research paper. Create mock-up of project display board

  Week 11: Practice oral presentation in class and with family. Based on feedback, finalize project display board.

  Week 12 or beyond: Fair event or showcase – local, regional, and/or state

• How can I keep track of all the different terms and vocabulary?

  In schools across the state, there is no standard convention for terms for the STEM process or for the Science & Engineering Fair project components.

  MSEF and collaborating teachers drafted a glossary of terms. We hope this helps! Please share with students as needed.

• Can students in an Out-of-School time program participate in the Science Fair?

  Students in grades 6-12 who take part in an independent science/engineering research project as part of an established out-of-school non-profit or municipal program in Massachusetts, (e.g. Big Brothers/Big Sisters, libraries, or nature centers) are eligible to compete in the MSEF statewide high school Science & Engineering Fair as a direct entry through that program. The teacher/adult sponsor of record for the student(s) must be a representative of the out-of-school program.

  Note: if the student’s school has an existing Science Fair program, coordination must happen between MSEF, the Region, and school leadership in advance of participation due to participation project limits at the regional fairs.

  Consult the Student Eligibility Policy for more details HERE.

• I have a lot of students in my program. How should I manage the paperwork and timelines?

  If you have a large number of student projects to manage, we are happy to work with you to manage project submissions and timelines to streamline the work. A few things to keep in mind:

  1. Students should not create accounts until their research plan is complete and permissions signed. This should be finalized within two weeks of students creating an account. Once their paperwork is uploaded, review for completeness and then ‘mark ready’ in your zFairs dashboard.
  2. Projects can be submitted for review on a rolling basis – even if they don’t require pre-approval. Some teachers keep all students on the same earlier timeline so that communication is consistent.
  3. Contact MSEF for details on using a version of this Research Plan Form for students to draft their research plan. This can then be used to submit for preliminary review for large school programs.
  4. High School only: If you have a school fair after the January 15th deadline, contact MSEF at [email protected] to discuss modified deadlines.
• How do I share MSEF resources with my students?

  Most MSEF resources are available as hyperlinks – often in Google Drive. Many teachers use Google Classroom or a similar platform to organize resources for their students. We suggest downloading or using the ‘Make a Copy’ option to create your own version of the document. This will help students access the links who might have firewalls setup to external systems.

  Let us know if you need any help with access.

   

  Also, let us know what resources work well for your classroom and how you use them. We always welcome feedback. [email protected]

• Where do I go if I need help?

  MSEF staff are available for support and troubleshooting.  Please let us know if you have questions or would like assistance navigating the process. We can also connect you with your Regional representatives.

• What opportunities are available for funding?

  There are many projects that can be low or no-cost, but some projects would benefit from additional resources and equipment.

  • Some teachers use services like DonorsChoose or ‘Clear the List’ programs.
  • The Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers has several funding opportunities like the GET program.
  • Society for Science offers opportunities for teachers like all-expenses paid training trips, stipends, and action grants.  https://www.societyforscience.org/
  • Teachers and Students in Region 2 have grants available through the Regional Committee. Details here.
  • Teacher’s in MSEF’s Getting Science Fair Ready Network also have opportunities & access to resources or ‘wish list’ funding when available. Email [email protected] with questions.