The first step in science fairs is finding the right one to enter. With so many options, from your local fair all the way up to the Regeneron ISEF, it’s hard to know where to start. This guide walks you through it, with useful resources along the way.
1. Start Somewhere: Your School or District Fair
The easiest place to start is your school or district science fair. These are usually the stepping stones to regional and state competitions, and they are a low-pressure way to get your feet wet. Competing locally lets you sharpen your project and your presentation in a familiar setting before you move up to bigger stages.
Pro Tip: If your school doesn’t host a science fair, don’t worry. Plenty of local organizations, museums, and universities run their own. The fastest way to find recognized fairs near you is Society for Science’s free Find a Fair tool, which lists affiliated fairs by location, the same fairs that feed into ISEF.
2. Level Up: Regional and State Fairs
Once you’ve cleared the local level, it’s time to aim higher. Regional and state science fairs are where the competition gets tougher and the projects get more sophisticated. Winning here can earn you a spot at a national or international fair.
But how do you get there? Some schools automatically advance their top projects, while others make you apply separately. Look up the specific fairs in your region. A quick search online or a conversation with your science teacher will usually tell you what’s available.
3. Scaling Up: National Competitions
If you’re ready to take your project to the next level, national competitions like the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (formerly Broadcom MASTERS, for middle school students) or the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) are great options. They bring together strong young researchers from across the country and offer real recognition and scholarship money.
Feeling overwhelmed by the process? That’s where the A-Z Science Fair Masterclass comes in. It covers everything from choosing the right project to nailing your presentation.
4. The Final Boss: ISEF
For the most ambitious students, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the top of the science fair world. Competing there puts you among the strongest student scientists from around the globe.
Getting there takes dedication, persistence, and, above all, the right mentorship. If you’re serious about competing at this level, consider ScienceFair.io’s Mentorship Program. With one-on-one guidance, you’ll have a far better shot at Regeneron ISEF and beyond.
5. The Cheatcode: Mentorship
Finding the right science fair is just the beginning. To really do well, you need a mentor who can guide you through both the research and the competition. A good mentor helps you refine your idea, introduces you to more advanced techniques, and can even help you find resources and funding.
Don’t have a mentor yet? Read this guide on finding your perfect science fair mentor. It has practical tips for connecting with experts in your field who can genuinely strengthen your project.
Conclusion
Finding the right science fair is a big part of doing well. Whether you start local or aim straight for the international stage, the right resources and guidance make a real difference. Start by finding the fairs near you with Society for Science’s Find a Fair tool. Then, if you want help building and entering the right fairs, ScienceFair.io’s Regional program walks you through it, from project to competition.
Every scientist started somewhere. With the right preparation and support, your first science fair could be the start of something much bigger.
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