How to Win the Terra New York City STEM Fair

This guide covers how the Terra New York City STEM Fair works and how to put together a project that does well, with the goal of advancing to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

The Terra New York City STEM Fair is the high school STEM research competition for New York City affiliated with the Regeneron ISEF. Run by Terra Science and Education, it brings together students from across the five boroughs to present their research to peers and professional judges and to compete for a place at ISEF.

What Is the Terra New York City STEM Fair?

It is a citywide competition for high school students in grades 9 to 12. A few key points:

• Categories: Projects span a wide range, from biological and physical sciences to engineering. Students choose the category that fits their project.
• Qualification: Students typically qualify through affiliated school and regional fairs before reaching the citywide Finals.
• Competition: Participants present their work with a display board and an oral presentation. Judges evaluate research methodology, originality, and conclusions.
• Advancement: Top finalists can go on to represent New York City at the Regeneron ISEF.

Categories at the Terra New York City STEM Fair

The fair covers many categories. Some examples of the areas students work in:

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.

Engineering and Biomedical

• Biomedical Engineering: Applying engineering principles to healthcare.
• Biomedical Devices: Designing medical devices for new treatments.

Doing Well at the Terra New York City STEM Fair

Strong results come from a well-run research project paired with a clear presentation. A few things that help:

• Start early: Begin your research as soon as you can so you have time for experimentation and revision.
• Choose the right category: Pick the category that best fits your project, and check the current guidelines for any changes.
• Know the judging criteria: Understand how projects are scored and make sure yours addresses those standards.
• Practice your presentation: A clear, confident talk shapes how judges see your work.
• Originality: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and stands out.
• Real-world relevance: Connect your project to a current scientific or engineering problem, whether that is renewable energy or a new medical device.
• Feasibility: Keep the project achievable within your time and resources. Avoid scope that you cannot finish.

Using the Scientific Method or Engineering Design Process

The fair expects a rigorous approach. Depending on your project, follow one of these:

• Scientific Method:
  • Question: Identify a problem that interests you.
  • Research: Review existing knowledge on the topic.
  • Hypothesis: Form a testable prediction.
  • Experiment: Test your hypothesis and collect data.
  • Analyze: Interpret your data and see whether 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 solutions and design a prototype.
  • Test and evaluate: Assess your prototype and improve it.
  • Communicate: Document and present your findings clearly.

Presentation Tips

Your presentation matters as much as your research. A few ways to make it stronger:

• Visual appeal: Build a clear display with good visuals and a logical layout that walks viewers through your work.
• Practice: Rehearse so you are clear and confident, and be ready for judges’ questions.
• Show your interest: Genuine enthusiasm for your project leaves an impression on judges.

More information: See the official Terra New York City STEM Fair site for current rules, categories, and registration details.

Qualifying for ISEF

The top projects at the Terra New York City STEM Fair can advance to ISEF. To be eligible, students must:

• Be in grades 9-12 or the equivalent.
• Not have reached age 20 on or before the ISEF event.
• Win at an ISEF-affiliated fair.
• Follow ISEF rules, with the project written in English.

Resources for Success

If you want guidance as you prepare, consider working with a mentor or a science fair coach who has been through the process.

The key is passion, preparation, and persistence. Good luck to everyone taking part in the Terra New York City STEM Fair.

One way to connect with past science fair winners is to book calls with past Science Fair winners via Sciencefair.io. You can also join Sciencefair.io’s A-Z masterclass.