This presentation is an adaptation of San Mateo County’s student STEM Fair Guide by their STEM Fair Coordinator, used with permission. The original is available at this link].
BRSSD Middle School STEM FAIR
A Guide for Students
Why Participate in the STEM Fair?
Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Opportunity to explore your interests
Build presentation and research skills
Awards, recognition, and fun!
Know the Rules
Have
You must have a Sponsoring Adult to supervise your project. This is a teacher or school administrator. A Supervising Adult cannot be a parent.
Obtain
Scientific Review Committee approval is required PRIOR to beginning research for projects involving humans, animals, microorganisms or dangerous items.
Use
You must use San Mateo County’s STEM Fair Google Slide templates to submit your work.
Keep
You must keep a science notebook throughout your process.
Know the BRSSD Timeline
STEM fair application process opens October 27, Scientific review committee approval prior to research beginning deadline Friday December 12.
Slideshow submissions using STEM fair Experimental or Engineeting Template Friday Jan 30th
Fair held at Ralston on Wednesday February 4, 2026 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
District winners notified on February 10th, if they are moving on to county fair prepare their submission.
Submission Portal opens 2/1– 2/20. Extensions cannot be granted. Note – some schools are on vacation the week of 2/13-20.
County Submission Portal opens 2/1– 2/20. Extensions cannot be granted. ** Note: BRSSD schools on vacation the week of 2/13-20.
Pick a Topic You’re Curious About
Brainstorm questions or problems you want to solve
1
Align with your interests (sports, environment, health, tech)
2
Make sure it’s testable or buildable
3
Choose a STEM Fair Category
Behavioral/Cognitive Category
behavioral and social sciences, cognitive sciences, survey projects, health science
Life Sciences Category
biochemistry, molecular, mammalian biology, microbiology, plant biology, zoology
Physical Sciences Category
chemistry, physics, material sciences, electronics, electromagnetics, applied mechanics and structures, alternative energy
Environmental Category
earth and environment – air/water, soil/pollution, environmental engineering
Mathematical/Computational Category
computational systems and analysis, mathematical sciences. Heavy use of modeling, programming, simulations, data analysis/visualization often involved.
Product Testing Category
evaluating how well consumer or commercial products perform under specific, measurable conditions
Choose a Project Type
EXPERIMENTAL
Test A Hypothesis
ENGINEERING
Design And Build A Solution
PRODUCT TESTING
Compare Different Items
DEMONSTRATION OR MODEL
Explain How Something Works
Project Type Examples
Category | Experimental Project | Engineering Project |
Behavioral/ Cognitive | Does background music affect memory? | Design an app to improve focus |
Life Sciences | How do light colors affect plant growth? | Build a low-cost hydroponic system |
Physical Sciences | Does temperature change honey's viscosity? | Create a solar oven for outdoor cooking |
Environmental Science | Do plants absorb pollutants from water? | Design a natural-material water filter |
Math / Computational | Does spaced repetition improve memory better than cramming? | Build a program that models disease spread |
Product Testing | Which brand of detergent removes stains best? | Build a device to test glue strength under pressure |
Research & Plan
Gather background information
Gather
Write a hypothesis or design statement
Write
List materials and steps
List
Use the Google Slides Template for:
Use
Keep a science notebook! This is critical because if you move on to feeder fairs, you may be asked to present your science notebook.
Keep
Get Scientific Review Committee (SRC) approval before starting project
* Microorganisms
* Animals
* Human subjects
* Hazardous materials
Submit a completed form to ncarpenter@brssd
by 12/12/25
Does your project need SRC approval?
If YES, you must obtain SRC approval PRIOR to beginning your project
Examples of projects NOT approved by SRCs
What’s the SRC Approval Process?
Use These Forms
A copy of your SRC Project Approval form is needed for winners moving onto the County STEM Fair along with Informed Consent forms if applicable.
BRSSD holds our own STEM Fair, so submit your project to our Scientific Review Committee prior to starting research - Deadline 12/12/25.
Do the Experiment or Build Your Project
Keep
Keep a science notebook
Take
Take photos or video if helpful
Record
Record all observations and results
Follow
Follow your plan carefully
Analyze Results
Look for patterns
1
Use charts or graphs to show data
2
Think about what your results mean
3
Prepare your Project for Submission
Review the scoring rubric ahead of time so you know grading criteria.
Use the San Mateo County’s STEM Fair templates
Questions?
Contact: �Nerina Carpenter