Here’s how to do well at the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) and earn your path to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This guide covers the strategies and tips to maximize your chances.
Getting Started with the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair
A science or engineering project is a fun way to deepen your interests, and presenting at a fair builds research experience. The steps below will get you started and prepared for competing at the state level.
1. Determine your eligibility
To be eligible for the MSSEF, you must first compete in an affiliated regional science fair in Minnesota and be selected to advance. Students must be in grades 6-12 to participate at the state level.
2. Begin planning your project
If this is your first science fair project, try the Science Journal, which guides you through forming a research question and designing your investigation.
3. Make a safety plan
All participants must conduct their experiments safely and ethically, minimizing risk to themselves, others, and their equipment. Every project must go through a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) for approval.
4. Write your abstract
An abstract is a brief overview of your project, summarizing your results as of your presentation. It tells the reader why something was done, how it was done, and what the results were. It’s not an exhaustive description. Abstracts for both high school and middle school projects must not exceed 250 words.
5. Project judging
Professional scientists and engineers judge your project and give feedback, using the materials you upload to zFairs and your in-person presentation. Every project is reviewed by several general awards judges and special awards judges.
6. Attend the fair
The State Science Fair is a great way to meet STEM professionals, network with peers, see their projects, attend workshops, and connect with Minnesota’s larger STEM community. The fair looks a bit different each year, so find this year’s specifics on the MNMAS website.
Categories at the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair
The MSSEF offers many categories to explore:
- Life Sciences
- Animal Sciences: animal behavior, genetics, and ecology.
- Cellular Studies: cellular processes and functions.
- Ecology: interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Genetics: heredity and genetic variation.
- Physiology: bodily functions and systems.
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Cognitive Psychology: memory, perception, and decision-making.
- Sociology: social interactions and group dynamics.
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal Biochemistry: drug development and interactions.
- Structural Biochemistry: the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules.
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Climate Science: climate change and its effects.
- Water Science: water quality, availability, and conservation.
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology: bacteria and their roles.
- Virology: viruses and their behavior.
- Physical Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering: applying engineering principles to healthcare.
- Biomedical Devices: designing medical devices.
Winning Tips
1. Use the Resources from the MNMAS Website
Abstracts
Abstracts for both high school and middle school projects must not exceed 250 words. An over-length abstract is sent back to the student for correction.
Team Projects
Teams can have no more than three members. A project can’t switch from a team to an individual project in the same year, and a three-member project can’t be reduced to two.
To participate in MSSEF, all team members must be registered, even if not all can attend.
All team members must be in the same division (Junior or Senior). Teams combining middle school and high school students aren’t eligible.
Display and Safety
Students must pass Display and Safety Inspections to confirm their boards comply with the rules before presenting in person. The guidelines are here.
2. Choose a Strong Research Idea
Pick a topic you’re genuinely passionate about. Your project should be original, address a real-world problem, and show your scientific thinking.
Think about current global challenges, gaps in existing research, or new solutions to common problems. Once you have a rough idea, refine it with thorough background research to confirm it’s both novel and feasible.
Developing a strong research idea is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. In this video, Rishab walks you through how to find a good STEM project idea:
3. Prepare a Stellar Presentation
Your presentation is where it comes together. Build a well-organized display board that clearly communicates your research question, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Practice your oral presentation thoroughly:
- Be clear and concise
- Show enthusiasm for your project
- Anticipate likely questions and prepare answers
- Use visual aids effectively
For the best guide on making a science fair poster that impresses judges, watch this video from Rishab Jain, Harvard student and ISEF winner.
4. Conduct Thorough Research
Solid research is the backbone of any winning project. Here’s how to do it well:
- Literature review: start with a thorough review of existing studies to understand your topic’s context.
- Reputable sources: rely on scientific journals, academic books, and trusted online resources.
- Data collection: use reliable, valid methods and gather enough data to support your conclusions.
- Analysis: analyze your data with appropriate statistical or qualitative methods, and be ready to explain it clearly.
Mastering the Scientific Method (or Engineering Design Process)
The MSSEF values a rigorous approach. Follow these steps to keep your project on track.
Scientific Method
- Question: identify a problem that intrigues you.
- Research: investigate existing knowledge on the topic.
- Hypothesis: form a testable prediction.
- Experiment: test your hypothesis and collect data.
- Analyze: interpret your data and see if it supports your hypothesis.
- Conclusion: draw conclusions from your findings.
Engineering Design Process
- Define the problem: identify a need or challenge.
- Research and design: explore possible solutions and design a prototype.
- Test and evaluate: assess your prototype and improve it.
- Communicate: document and present your findings clearly.
5. Seek Mentorship
A mentor offers valuable guidance. They can help you refine your research question, troubleshoot experiments, and prepare your presentation. The right mentor can be a game-changer thanks to their experience.
A mentorship program like ScienceFair.io’s A-Z Science Fair Program connects you with expert guidance to maximize your chances of winning.
Conclusion
Winning the Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair takes dedication, thorough research, and effective presentation skills. Follow these guidelines and put in consistent effort, and you’ll significantly improve your chances. Remember, the journey of scientific discovery is as valuable as the destination.
Good luck!
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