Become a Fair Judge
Make an Impact: Volunteer as a Science & Engineering Fair Judge
Every year, thousands of students across Massachusetts put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test through science fairs at the school, district, and regional levels. The best of these projects advance to the iconic Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, an annual celebration of student ingenuity that has been celebrating young minds since 1949. This event is a showcase of the power of independent student-led stem research.
We invite STEM professionals and academics to volunteer as judges for this exciting event. Judging is a chance to make a meaningful impact on students, offering them encouragement and inspiration as they share their research. For many students, presenting their projects to a STEM professional is a milestone experience that builds confidence and expands their view of what’s possible.
As a judge, you’ll also find value in this experience!
- Reignite your passion for STEM,
- Reconnect with your own science fair memories,
- Engage with the community in a rewarding way,
- And support the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders
Join us in shaping the future of STEM by volunteering as a judge. Your involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of students across the Commonwealth
More information about qualification, schedule, and sign-up instructions can be found below.
1.
Find Your Fair
See Fair dates and locations below.
2.
Sign Up
Register to become a judge! All first time and returning judges must create a new account each year.
3.
Spread the Word
Invite your STEM friends and co-workers to join you!
4.
Attend Judge Training
Join a one-hour virtual “Judge Training” session 1-3 weeks before the fair.
Here, you’ll learn about the judging rubric and get all the info you need to be successful.
5.
Enjoy the Fair Day Experience
Arrive at the fair on time.
Spend 3-5 hours engaging with 3-5 projects, (1-3 students per project).
Submit your scores and have fun making a difference!
Fair dates and locations
In addition to our iconic High School and Middle School State Fairs, you have regional fairs across the state to choose from! Explore the dates and locations below to find an event that fits your schedule. There are opportunities for a range of qualifications from current STEM undergrads to PhDs. Check the FAQ below for more details.
| High School State Fair
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Middle School State Fair
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| High School Regional Fairs
Region 3: March 1 at Bristol CC |
Middle School Regional Fairs
Region 2: April 30 at Worcester State Region 3: March 1 at Bristol CC Region 4: April 12 at UMass Lowell |
Regional Map
You are eligible to judge in any regional fair regardless of where you live or work.
Frequently asked questions
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What qualifications do I need to be a fair judge?
Requirements vary for Regional, Middle School and High School Fairs. However, in all instance judges must have experience in a STEM field: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Behavioral Science, Earth & Environmental Science, Astronomy & Space Science, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics & Modeling, Computer Science & Technology.
High School Judges typically must hold a bachelor’s degree or have 4+ years working experience in their selected field. In some regions, graduating seniors in a STEM major may be eligible.
Middle School Judges must have experience in a STEM field. Current STEM majors may be eligible.
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Do you provide training for fair judges?
Yes! Judges are required to attend a short virtual training session in advance of the Fair.
Consult the registration zFairs page for training dates and expectations. See links on the schedule above.
During the training you will be fully briefed on the judging rubric (with point allocations) that will guide your assessment. We will explain how scoring is adjusted to weigh the core process, student understanding over sophistication, the importance of independent work, and creative use of materials.
During this session, you will also receive details about when to arrive, where to go, and other important information.
Judges commit to providing a rigorous, yet encouraging, interview process for students.
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What is the schedule for judge orientation sessions?
Once you have registered on the regional or state fair sites for judging at a fair, you will be expected to sign up for a required orientation session in advance of the fair. Pre-register for 2025 sessions using the zoom links below.
High School Regional (and Middle School for combined Fairs)
Thursday, February 20th, 12pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EDEL6mIlRVikdauL0yCPRw
Tuesday, February 25th, 5pm- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/r2gtTvNJT0q3lXiO5sN2GA
Monday, March 3rd, 12pm- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wQHUgHrdQ2Cna_RwoPED0w
Wednesday, March 5th, 7pm- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KCcCChchRPK0yPXcY6AJ8w
High School State Fair
Tuesday 3/25, @ 12pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CR6usE7tQFusU_CzrbtK7g
Wednesday, 3/26 @7pm- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eRy6ydMJQAmHsyHI2tW_sQ
Tuesday, April 1st @ 5pm- no foolin’ – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wYEavORzRR2AMPJdOJlM7g
Middle School State Fair
Thursday, May 1st, 12pm- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ItdOh30RRwueWazdh5tfEQ
Tuesday, May 6th, 5pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7o9B9SkzSUu4354PPfdW9g
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How many students will I talk with?
You will typically review 3-6 projects which includes a student presentation and Q&A session. Each project is judged by multiple judges separately.
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What is the time commitment?
The advance training is approximately 1 hour on zoom. On the day of the Fair you can expect to give 3-5 hours of your time.
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What do I do if I sign up and cannot make it on the day?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a fair you signed up for. When judges are absent, students may not have enough reviewers for their projects, requiring MSEF staff to quickly reassign coverage. This can create additional challenges and place extra responsibility on other judges.
State Fair judges should email [email protected]
Regional judges should contact the email of the regional coordinator.
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Can I talk to someone directly?
Yes! Email [email protected] with questions.
We can help you connect with the regional fair contacts as needed.
What our students say
“The conversations I had with the judges were the best part of the science fair. Being able to converse in an intelligent way with someone with that background and have them understand what I was talking about made me feel so capable and smart.”
– High School Student
What our judges say
“I enjoyed talking to the students, listening to their project and witnessing their enthusiasm pouring out.”
Sponsor the fairs
Do you work for an organization passionate about STEM education? By sponsoring the Fair(s) your company will enjoy valuable visibility in front of our state’s future problem-solvers while supporting valuable STEM programming for Massachusetts youth.
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