Ultimate guide to shine at the NYSSEF (New York State Science and Engineering Fair) and then qualify to ISEF!

Get easy tips and guidance in this helpful blog!

Introduction to NYSSEF The New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) is an exciting platform that brings together young scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers from across the state.

Whether you’re passionate about biology, physics, computer science, or any other scientific field, NYSSEF provides an opportunity to showcase your research!

Learn from experts and compete for prestigious awards.

Eligibility and Registration Eligibility: Any student in grades 6 through 12, enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home school in New York, can participate.

Students in grades 9 through 12 must apply for either the NYSSEF ISEF Division or Andromeda Division.

Students in grades 6 through 8 may enter the Broadcom Division.

NYSSEF ISEF Division: Participants must adhere to all NYSSEF ISEF rules and guidelines.

Eligible for local, regional, and national prizes.

Top projects may represent New York at the 2024 Regeneron ISEF in Los Angeles, CA.

Students can participate regardless of Regional Fair placement.

Grades 9-1

2. Fee: $200 per student (refundable except for a $30 non-refundable application fee for winners opting out).

NYSSEF reserves the right to deny participation for non-compliance.

Andromeda Division: Schools can enter up to 15 projects.

Suitable for participants working on research, presentation skills, technical papers, or "work in progress".

Eligible for local and state prizes.

Must follow NYSSEF ISEF rules.

Grades 9-1

2. Fee: $75 per student (includes lunch and NYSSEF t-shirt).

Broadcom Division: Open to students in 6th through 8th grade.

Compete for local prizes.

Winners may be nominated for the Broadcom Masters national competition.

Promotes excellence in young scientists.

Fee: $50 per student (includes lunch and NYSSEF t-shirt).

Registration: Registration Limits: Schools can register: At least 10 projects for NYSSEF ISEF Division Maximum of 15 projects for Andromeda Division Up to 10 projects for Broadcom Division Independent Entry Option: Students can opt to enter independently.

Responsibility for registration and fees lies with the student.

Ideal for: Home-schooled students Students from non-affiliated regions Students from private or parochial schools Regional Fair Slots: Regional Fairs can reserve: Up to 10 slots for projects in NYSSEF ISEF Division Regional Fair bears responsibility for associated fees.

Students cannot register for State Fair post their Regional Fair's final round unless sponsored by the Regional Fair.

Categories at NYSSEF Microbiology Biochemistry Behavioral and Social Sciences Biomedical and Health Sciences Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Earth and Environmental Sciences Biomedical Engineering Environmental Engineering Mathematics Physics and Astronomy Robotics and Intelligent Machines Systems Software Plant Sciences Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design Cellular and Molecular Biology Animal Sciences Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics Translational Medicine Qualifying for NYSSEF Participation in NYSSEF usually begins at the regional level, where students compete in local or regional science fairs.

Winners from these fairs advance to the state level competition, NYSSEF.

To qualify for NYSSEF, students must: Conduct original research: Projects should demonstrate creativity, scientific rigor, and a clear research question.

Complete required paperwork: This typically includes project proposals, research plans, and necessary permissions.

Excel at regional fairs: Winning at regional fairs is often the first step towards NYSSEF qualification.

Strategies for Success: Winning NYSSEF requires more than just a brilliant idea; it demands thorough preparation and effective presentation.

Here are some strategies to maximize your chances of success: Choose the right topic: Select a research topic that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Consider its relevance, feasibility, and potential impact.

PlayHow to Pick a Science Research Project Idea: FULL GUIDE Conduct thorough research: Dive deep into existing literature to understand the background of your chosen topic and identify gaps for your research to fill.

Design a robust experiment: Develop a well-defined research question and hypothesis.

Design experiments that are methodologically sound and capable of producing meaningful results.

Document your work: Keep detailed records of your research process, including observations, data, and analyses.

This documentation is crucial for both presenting your findings and defending your methodology.

Practice your presentation: Hone your communication skills by practicing your presentation multiple times.

Ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence in delivering your research findings.

Seek feedback: Solicit feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers to refine your project and presentation.

Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement and strengthen your overall submission.

Winning NYSSEF Winning at NYSSEF requires a combination of a well-executed research project and an effective presentation.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success: Research and Mentorship Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from a knowledgeable mentor.

This could be a professor, scientist, or industry professional.

A mentor can provide valuable insights, help you refine your research question, and guide you through the scientific process.

Define Your Research Question: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you.

Passion instills creativity and perseverance.

Formulate a clear research question that addresses a specific problem or curiosity.

Ensure your question is feasible within the available time and resources.

Literature Review: Dive into existing research related to your topic.

Understand what’s already known and identify gaps in knowledge.

Use reputable scientific journals, databases, and books.

Presentation and Communication Video Presentation: Create a compelling video that succinctly presents your project.

Start with an engaging introduction.

Clearly state your research question and hypothesis.

Describe your methodology, experiments, and data analysis.

Highlight key findings and conclusions.

Visual Aids: Use visuals effectively.

Graphs, charts, and images can enhance understanding.

Keep them simple, relevant, and visually appealing.

Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation.

Speak confidently and maintain eye contact.

Anticipate questions and prepare concise answers.

Creating Impact Real-World Relevance: Aim for impact beyond the science fair.

How can your project contribute to society, the environment, or technology?

Consider practical applications and potential benefits.

Innovation: Think outside the box.

What unique approach or perspective can you bring to your research?

Innovate by combining existing ideas, exploring new methods, or proposing novel solutions.

Qualifying for ISEF The top projects at NYSSEF have the opportunity to advance to ISEF.

To qualify for ISEF, students must: Be in grades 9-12 or equivalent.

Not have reached age 20 on or before ISEF.

Win at an ISEF-affiliated science fair.

Ensure their project is written in English and adheres to the ISEF rules.

The science fair is more than creating a science project; it is a complete educational process through which students learn: Learning about the scientific topic through research.

Acquiring knowledge outside the classroom setting is invaluable.

Working alongside mentors and peers fosters growth.

Polishing presentation skills is crucial for effective communication.

Emphasizing the importance of competing honestly and fairly is vital.

Remember, the key to success is passion, preparation, and perseverance.

Good luck to all aspiring NYSSEF participants!

Resources for you win Science fairs!

For those who want to start their science fair journey and eager to learn and work on projects, Rishab, an accomplished individual with accolades such as being an ISEF winner, 3M Young Scientists winner, and US Presidential scholar, along with extensive experience in various research projects, offers science fair coaching.

It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of STEM and win at Science Fairs.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.

Whether you’re just starting or already doing great in student research, always appreciate your efforts.

Keep moving towards your goals, and good luck on your science journey!

About Afreen Hossain:I’m a web developer, amateur astronomer, and mathematician with ambitions to become a computer scientist.

Eager to contribute to advancements in technology, healthcare, transportation and space for a more accessible and beneficial world.

Learn more about me at LinkedIn.