Top 10 Science Fair Competitions for High School Students.

Read this blog for the most valuable competitions, offering significant opportunities for recognition.

1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is a premier global competition showcasing high school students' scientific research.

With over 1,800 participants from 75+ countries, it offers a platform for innovative projects across various disciplines.

Eligible students present original research for recognition and prestigious awards.

Eligibility:  Students must be in grades 9-12 or their equivalent.

Participants must not have reached the age of 20 on or before May 1 preceding ISEF.

For team projects, student groups are limited to three members.

The language of projects and research must be in English.

Award: Participation can lead to significant scholarships, recognition, and opportunities to present research to scientific leaders.

2. MIT THINK Scholars Program The MIT THINK Scholars Program is an initiative inviting high school students worldwide to engage in science, technology, and engineering projects.

Participants tackle real-world problems, receiving mentorship and resources from MIT undergraduates.

Through research, innovation, and collaboration, students develop solutions and compete for recognition in this prestigious program.

Eligibility:  You must be a full-time high school student (attending a public, private, or home school) at the time of your application.

You must be a U.

S. resident during the academic year.

There is no strict age limit, but it is recommended that students apply during their sophomore or junior years when they have had the opportunity to develop robust scientific interests.

Award: Students receive mentorship from MIT researchers and a chance to present their work at MIT.

3. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a prestigious competition encouraging high school students in the U.

S. to conduct original research in STEM fields.

Participants present their findings at regional symposiums, competing for scholarships and recognition.

Winners advance to the national level, showcasing their innovative projects and scientific expertise.

Eligibility:  High school students enrolled in grades 9-1

2. Participants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or U.

S. territory.

Award: Encourages stewardship of natural resources and provides scholarships and recognition. https://youtu. be/h7OlgFLByK8?si=cxlu15l8hEe3w0E0 STEM Programs and Competitions for High Schoolers!

4. Conrad Challenge The Conrad Challenge inspires high school students worldwide to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Teams collaborate to address issues in various fields, including aerospace, energy, and health.

The Conrad Challenge spans various fields, including Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, and Health & Nutrition.

It’s an opportunity to apply science, technology, and innovation to solve global problems.

Eligibility:  Students must be between the ages of 13 and 1

8. You can participate as an individual or as part of a team of 2-5 students.

Teams must have an adult mentor (at least 18 years old) who will guide and supervise the team’s work throughout the competition.

Award: Offers mentorship, investment opportunities, and patent support for winning ideas.

5. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a prestigious competition recognizing exceptional research projects by high school seniors in the United States.

Participants conduct original investigations in STEM fields, presenting their findings to experts.

Winners receive scholarships and gain access to a network of leading scientists, fostering future scientific endeavors.

Eligibility:  Students must be living in and attending their last year of secondary school in the U.

S. and its territories, regardless of citizenship.

U.

S. citizens living abroad may also qualify.

Students attending American schools abroad, but who are not U.

S. citizens, are not eligible.

Award: Winners receive significant scholarships and are celebrated in a national ceremony.

List of competitions for high school students.

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Medical competitions.

6. Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge empowers high school students globally to address pressing scientific challenges.

Participants develop innovative solutions leveraging STEM knowledge and resources provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Through collaboration and creativity, students showcase their ingenuity, competing for recognition and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

Eligibility:  Students must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

To participate, students must first complete a science fair project and compete in a Society-affiliated science fair in the United States or a U.

S. territory.

The top 10% of middle school science fair projects are nominated by their affiliated fairs for the national competition.

Nominees then need to complete an online application for a chance to compete at the national level.

Award:  Nominee: Being nominated is a great honor, designating the project as among the top 10% of middle school science fair projects in the U.

S.

Each nominee is eligible to apply for the national competition.

Entrant: All nominees who enter receive a t-shirt, bumper sticker, and join the Society alumni network.

Top 300 Students: Receive $125 courtesy of DoD STEM, an award ribbon, a one-year subscription to Science News Explores magazine, and a subscription to Wolfram|Alpha Notebook Edition.

Finalists: Finalists receive $500, an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC for the finalist and a parent/guardian, and the opportunity to win additional awards, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) and other category-specific awards.

Team Award: The team that best demonstrates collaboration, problem-solving, and scientific and engineering skills receives a gift card to a science supply company.

Finalist Schools: Schools receive $1,000 to use on STEM activities, courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

7. American Academy of Neuroscience (AAN) Research Prize The American Academy of Neuroscience (AAN) Research Prize recognizes high school students' outstanding contributions to neuroscience research.

Participants delve into complex brain-related topics, conducting innovative studies and presenting their findings to experts.

Winners earn recognition and opportunities to advance their understanding of the brain's mysteries, inspiring future neuroscientists.

Eligibility:  Students must be enrolled in secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of their age.

Applications must represent original research as well as the original written work of the applicant.

Projects do not need to occur in formal/traditional lab settings.

Each project should be the work of an individual student; group projects are not eligible (although teachers can provide guidance, each student must demonstrate their own creativity).

Family members of the judges, the AAN Science Committee, or AAN staff are not eligible to apply.

FREE Student STEM Guide for a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships and more!

Award: Winners are highlighted at the AAN Annual Meeting and can receive scholarships.

8. eCYBERMISSION eCYBERMISSION offers an immersive experience for students in grades 6-9, inviting them to delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

This innovative competition empowers young minds to address real-world challenges through scientific inquiry and engineering design, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

If you’re ready to start this exciting and innovative journey, this guide will maximize your chances to win at this competition!

Eligibility: Rising 6th through 9th graders are eligible to participate.

Award: State Awards: First-Place State Winners: Each student is awarded a U.

S.

Series EE Savings Bond worth $500 on the purchase date, which matures to $1,00

0. Second-Place State Winners: Each student receives a U.

S.

Series EE Savings Bond worth $250 on the purchase date, which matures to $50

0. National Awards: The top teams from each grade level are recognized at the national level.

These awards celebrate outstanding achievements in STEM problem-solving and community impact.

9. NASA’s Plant the Moon Challenge NASA's Plant the Moon Challenge invites high school students worldwide to explore lunar agriculture.

Participants design innovative methods for growing plants on the Moon, addressing challenges of space exploration and sustainability.

Through collaboration and ingenuity, students contribute to humanity's quest for long-term space habitation, earning recognition for their pioneering ideas.

Eligibility:  High school students in the United States.

Participants must have a passion for space, science, and sustainability.

There is no strict age limit, but students should be in high school.

Award: Winners receive recognition, exposure, and the chance to contribute to future space missions.

Specific prizes may vary based on the challenge edition and sponsorships. https://www. youtube. com/playlist?list=PLY_65to5psrulJ49Db6j2nR_hn7M2FLQ2 Playlist on How to Do Research in High School by Rishab Jain! 1

0. ExploraVision ExploraVision is a STEM science competition for high school students.

It encourages students to envision and communicate new technology 10 or more years into the future.

Participants engage in collaborative brainstorming and research of current science and technology.

The competition goes beyond typical student science contests, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and innovation.

Eligibility:  Entrants must be United States or Canadian citizens.

They should reside within the United States, U.

S.

Territories, or Canada.

Participants must be enrolled full-time in a public, private, or home school.

Award: First Prize (4 Teams): Each student receives a U.

S.

EE Savings Bond worth $10,000 at maturity.

Second Prize (4 Teams): Each student receives a U.

S.

EE Savings Bond worth $5,000 at maturity.

National Finalists (8 Teams): A trip to Washington, DC in June for the ExploraVision Awards Weekend.

Accompanied by one parent/legal guardian.

Regional Winners (24 Teams): Each student receives a Chromebook.

An awards ceremony at their school, where the team receives a winner’s banner, plaque, and other gifts.

Honorable Mention (~500 Teams): Each student receives a unique prize and certificate.

All Participants: Receive a certificate of participation and a gift for submitting a complete project.

Resources to Win STEM Competitions!

Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

For those eager to start working towards competitions, Rishab offers science fair coaching and a YouTube playlist on how to do research.

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

Rishab shares his winning strategies.