The Best Middle School Science Fairs in the USA (2025 Guide for Parents and Students)

Middle school science fairs in the United States are more than just experiments on poster boards. They’re training grounds for future innovators and a pathway to national recognition programs like the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). For families, knowing which fairs matter most can help students showcase their work on bigger stages, stand out in applications, and prepare for high school competitions like the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).

In this guide, we highlight the don’t-miss middle school science fairs that admissions counselors, educators, and parents consider the most valuable.

🌟 Top National and Statewide Middle School Science Fairs

California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF)

• Grades: 6–12
• When/Where: Typically held around April 12–13 at Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
• Why It Matters: One of the largest fairs in the U.S., with nearly 900 students competing. Junior division (grades 6–8) winners are nominated to JIC.

Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF)

• Grades: 6–12
• When/Where: Typically held around March 28–29, 2025 at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
• Why It Matters: Huge statewide event with ~15 regional feeders. Senior winners advance to ISEF; middle schoolers earn state recognition and JIC nominations.

Florida State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF of Florida)

• Grades: 6–12
• When/Where: Typically held around March 25–27, 2025 in Lakeland, FL
• Why It Matters: One of the Southeast’s largest STEM competitions. Hundreds of middle school projects compete, with top winners moving on to JIC.

Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF)

• Grades: 6–12
• When/Where: Typically held around April 11–13, 2024 at University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Why It Matters: Georgia’s premier STEM fair. Middle schoolers receive awards and JIC nominations, while high schoolers advance to ISEF.

Arizona Science & Engineering Fair (AzSEF)

• Grades: 5–12 (Junior Division: grades 7–8)
• When/Where: Typically held around March 27–28, 2025 at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
• Why It Matters: Statewide competition where the top 10% of middle school projects advance to JIC.

🌲 West Coast & Pacific Northwest Science Fairs

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF)

• Grades: K–12
• Where: Typically held around March 28 – 29, in Bremerton, WA
• Why It Matters: Open to all Washington students — no school nomination required. Separate middle school division, with winners nominated to JIC.

Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair

• Grades: 6–12
• Where: Typically held around March 15. The fair is for students from San Diego and Imperial Counties
• Why It Matters: One of California’s oldest regionals. Middle school winners advance to both CSEF and JIC.

Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair

• Grades: 6–12
• Where: Typically held around March 15. The fair takes place at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, Californ
• Why It Matters: Historic regional fair with national prestige. Sends winners to both CSEF and ISEF.

Oregon Northwest Science Expo (NWSE)

• Grades: 6–12
• Where: The NWSE is usually held after the regional expos, which typically take place in March, in Portland, Oregon
• Why It Matters: Oregon’s statewide fair, with strong middle school participation. Senior division feeds into ISEF; junior winners often nominated to JIC.

🎯 Why These Fairs Matter for College Admissions

• Prestige: Recognized fairs like CSEF, TXSEF, and SSEF appear often on competitive students’ résumés.
• Pathways: Middle school winners often advance to the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, one of the most selective STEM competitions nationwide.
• Preparation: Success at these fairs sets students up for high school research that may qualify them for ISEF or even Regeneron STS (Science Talent Search) in 12th grade.

❓ Q&A: Common Parent Questions

Q: Does Washington have a state science fair for middle school?
Yes. The Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF) in Bremerton welcomes grades K–12. Middle school winners receive awards and nominations to JIC.

Q: Can my middle schooler qualify for ISEF?
No, only grades 9–12 can advance to ISEF. But middle schoolers can qualify for the Thermo Fisher JIC, which is considered the ISEF-equivalent for younger students.

Q: When should my child start preparing?
Most school and regional fairs happen between January and March, with state fairs in late March through April. Projects should start in the fall for the best results.

✅ Takeaway for Parents and Students

If you’re serious about STEM, middle school science fairs are the launchpad. Prioritize entering the big-name state fairs (California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona) and, if you’re in the Pacific Northwest, don’t miss WSSEF or Oregon’s NWSE.

These competitions help students gain recognition, develop research skills, and set themselves apart for future college applications.

🧪🔬 Science Fair Mentoring Program for Students

At Future Forward, we specialize in Science Fairs mentoring and guidance for middle and high school students preparing for these competitions. Explore Future Forward’s STEM mentoring programs to give your student a competitive edge in science fairs and college applications.

📅 Quick Reference: 2025 Middle School Science Fairs by State

(HS = high school division, MS = middle school division)