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.
Please note: All judging takes place in person in Massachusetts; remote participation is not available.
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New this year — all High School Judge sign-ups are in one place! SIGN UP HERE for high school fairs – create your account, then choose the State and/or Regional High School Fair(s) you’d like to judge. |
New this year — all Middle School Judge sign-ups are in one place! SIGN UP HERE for middle school fairs – create your account, then choose the State and/or Regional Middle School Fair(s) you’d like to judge. |
High School State Fair powered by Amazon April 9 at DCU, Worcester | Middle School State Fair powered by Cabot Corporation May 9 at Clark University, Worcester |
High School Regional Fairs Region 1: March 6 at Western New England University in Springfield Region 2: March 6 at Worcester Polytechnic University Region 3: March 7 at Bristol Community College in Fall River Region 4: March 14 at Tufts in Medford Region 5: March 14 at Bridgewater State University Region 6: March 7 at TBD | Middle School Regional Fairs Region 1: April 15 at MA College of Liberal Arts in North Adams Region 2: March 31 at at Worcester Polytechnic University Region 3: March 7 at Bristol Community College in Fall River Region 4: April 4 at UMASS Lowell Region 5: March 7 at Regis College in Weston Region 6: March 7 at TBD |
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 higher in a STEM field or have 4+ years working experience in their selected STEM 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.
Due to a conflict of interest:
- Individuals should not judge a fair where a family member is presenting a project.
- Teachers and current mentors should not judge if they have students participating at the Fair.
Judges should let the Fair judging coordinator know if there are other potential conflict of interest based on a non-family relationship or previous mentorship.
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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 Judge Info tab on the zFairs pages for training dates and expectations.
https://mahs.zfairs.com for High School training information.
https://mams.zfairs.com for Middle School training information.
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 middle school or high school zFairs site for judging at a fair, you will be expected to sign up for a required orientation session in advance of the fair.
Go to https://mahs.zfairs.com for High School training information.
Go to https://mams.zfairs.com for Middle School training information.
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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 judginginfo@scifair.com
Regional judges should contact the email of the regional coordinator.
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Can I talk to someone directly?
Yes! Email judginginfo@scifair.com 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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