Your support for student-led science & engineering projects

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Scientific Review Committee (SRC)?

  A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is a group of qualified individuals that is responsible for evaluation of student research, certifications, research plans and exhibits for compliance with the rules, applicable laws and regulations at each level of science fair competition.

  ALL proposed research projects involving any of the Restricted Areas of Research (work at a Regulate Research Institution or Industrial Setting, with human subjects, with vertebrate animals, with potentially hazardous biological agents, or with any hazardous chemicals/activities/devices) must be reviewed and approved BEFORE experimentation begins.

  ALL projects, including those previously reviewed and approved by an SRC/IRB, must be reviewed, and approved by the SRC after experimentation and before competition in a Fair.

• What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

  An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that, according to federal regulations (45-CFR-46), must evaluate the potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving humans. All proposed high school human research must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before experimentation begins. This includes review of any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project. Federal regulations require local community involvement. Therefore, it is advisable that an IRB be established at the school level to evaluate human research projects.

  For most projects, an IRB is an informal collection of three individuals who can review projects at the localized setting (the school). The composition of this group may change for individual projects based on needed expertise. Students and teachers should work together to collect the signatures from the appropriate individuals.

• 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: The person who provides permission to participate and represent the school. The teacher creates an account in zFairs and signs off when ready for approval. The teacher also communicates with the regional and state fair organizers. Provides oversight for the academic integrity & ethics of your project.
  • “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.
• 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.

• What can I do if a student wants to participate and our school doesn’t have a program?

  Schools can still support student participation as an independent project, with the option of working with an outside mentor or supervisor. A teacher needs to review and sign all the necessary forms. Teacher will still need to set up accounts in zFairs before the student. Remember you will be responsible for understanding all the safety rules, deadlines and for making sure all required forms are submitted on time, and we’re here to help!

  Review the roles and responsibilities of adults here and reach out to MSEF at [email protected] and we will help connect you to resources and regional representation as needed.

  See also rules about Out-of-School time sponsorship above.

• 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.