Welcome to the BLS Science Project Website!

Here you will learn everything you need to know about science projects and science fairs. 

Important Dates:

• • All forms due to Ms. Bateman on a rolling basis but no later than December 15,2025

  • All forms must be signed and uploaded to ZFairs (https://mahs.zfairs.com)

HIGH SCHOOL DEADLINES
December 15, 2025: STATE deadline for Project Pre-Approval/Consent and Safety Forms. 

January 15, 2025, MIDNIGHT: STATE deadline for projects that do not require pre-approval - final paperwork and forms due, including abstract.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEADLINES

February 7, 2025: STATE deadline for projects - final paperwork and forms due.

February 24, 2025: STATE deadline for teachers to promote students for Fair participation. Instructions will be sent to teachers via email.

Boston Citywide Science Fair 2025-2026 Fair Information

Science Fair Date: March 7, 2026

Science Fair Location:  Dearborn STEM Academy 36 Winthrop St, Roxbury, MA 02119

Click HERE for the STEM Fair schedul

• Statewide Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
  Contact: Statewide SRC Committee
  Email: SRC@scifair.com

Massachusetts State Science Fair Information

• High School State Fair: April 9, 2026 at DCU Center, Worcester

• Middle School State Fair: May 9, 2026 at Clark University, Worcester

ISEF Regeneron Information

• May 9-15, 2026: International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) - Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

Who can do a project?

Anyone! Each grade level has different requirements and supports.

Class VI:  all Earth Science students are required to complete a science project as part of the curriculum. Your Earth Science teacher will be your main point of contact and will provide you with all of the paperwork and answer questions about project rules and regulations. 

Class V: any Unified Science student can perform a science project  AND you will earn extra credit if you complete the project, attend the Boston Public Schools Citywide Science Fair, and the Massachusetts State Science Fair! Mr. Balicki will provide you with all of the paperwork and answer questions about project rules and regulations. 

Class IV-I: any students in Biology I, Physics I, Chemistry I or any elective can perform a science project  AND you will earn extra credit if you attend the Boston Public Schools Citywide Science Fair, and the Massachusetts State Science Fair! Ms. Bateman will be your main point of contact and will provide you with all of the paperwork and answer questions about project rules and regulations. 

Why do a science project? 

Science Fair projects require skills in research, reading, writing, math, critical thinking, ethics, communication and graphic arts. Students must use all of these skills when conducting research, analyzing data and presenting their projects to expert judges and mentors. Attending fairs in is a great way to make new friends, network and win prizes! The top winner of the Region VI Boston Citywide STEM Fair will go on an all expense paid trip to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) competition in May 2025! Students who place among the top winners in the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) can also earn a place at ISEF. 

When is the Boston Latin School Science Fair?

A school fair is only required when we have more than 50 students who want to go to the Boston Citywide Science Fair. If this occurs, projects will be judged in-house by staff at a date TBD. 

How do I get started?

Pursue topics that interest you. Create a list of questions and ideas about your topic and start engaging family and teachers in conversation about your thoughts.  Once you decide upon your question (and this is no small feat) generate an experimental procedure that allows you to perform an investigation.   You can now read the following list: 

PROCESS FOR CARRYING OUT YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT STEP-BY-STEP

1. Pose an experimental question

2. Define your independent and dependent variable

3. Carry out a controlled scientific experiment (realize that your experiment was designed incorrectly, re-run the experiment, realize that you didn't collect enough data, rerun the experiment, think about giving up, rerun the experiment, realize you want a new topic, seek out a teacher for support!)

4. Summarize and graph your data

5. Make scientific conclusions 

Please refer to the Project Resources page to support you in this process.

Why do I need Forms?

Safety of course! BLS abides by the Boston Citywide, State and International rules for students research. As such, particular areas of experimentation are not permitted.  

Other areas of research require approval from the Scientific Review Committee  (SRC) for Region VI (Boston) before experimentation can begin.

Please refer to the Manual & Forms page for more information.

How can I get help?

Science is messy and frustrating - that is the only way to make discoveries! 

Mr. Balicki and Ms. Bateman will be available every W-block in room 327 to work with students in Class V-Class I on their projects from September - January. 

Mr. Balicki and Ms. Bateman will be available afterschool to supervise experimentation.

We look forward to SEEING you!