At the heart of Florida’s academic calendar, the State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) brings together the state’s boldest young problem-solvers. Every year, middle and high school students from across the state come together to present research that tackles some of today’s most pressing challenges. For many, SSEF is not just a state-level achievement but also a pathway to the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Beyond trophies and certificates, SSEF equips Florida students with the kind of research and problem-solving skills that colleges and scholarship committees value. Whether you’re exploring ocean health, renewable energy, or biomedical innovation, SSEF gives students the stage to turn bold ideas into impactful projects.

What is SSEF of Florida?

The State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida (SSEF) brings together the brightest student researchers from regional and county-level fairs. It is one of the largest science competitions in the nation, showcasing projects in STEM fields such as engineering, biomedical sciences, environmental sustainability, and computer science.

To compete, students must first qualify through one of Florida’s affiliated regional fairs. This progression ensures that by the time participants arrive at SSEF, they’ve already demonstrated excellence at the local level.

Who Can Participate?

The fair is open to middle school (grades 6–8) and high school (grades 9–12) students who have advanced from regional fairs. Projects can be individual or team-based, but all must demonstrate originality, research rigor, and creativity.

Students often start with an idea rooted in curiosity—something they’ve noticed in their community or an issue they care deeply about. From hurricanes and coastal flooding to public health challenges and Florida’s biodiversity, local relevance often makes projects stand out.

Categories at SSEF of Florida

Just like ISEF, the Florida Science and Engineering Fair recognizes a wide range of categories. Here are the official categories students can compete in:

• Animal Sciences (ANIM)
• Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA)
• Biochemistry (BCHM)
• Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED)
• Biomedical Engineering (ENBM)
• Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL)
• Chemistry (CHEM)
• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO)
• Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV)
• Embedded Systems (EBED)
• Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design (EGSD)
• Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics (ETSD)
• Environmental Engineering (ENEV)
• Materials Science (MATS)
• Mathematics (MATH)
• Microbiology (MCRO)
• Physics and Astronomy (PHYS)
• Plant Sciences (PLNT)
• Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO)
• Systems Software (SOFT)
• Technology Enhances the Arts (TECA)
• Translational Medical Science (TMED)

Choosing the right category is crucial. It not only aligns your project with the right judges but also helps you frame your research in the most impactful way.

How to Choose the Right Project Topic

One of the most common questions students and parents ask is: “What kind of project wins at SSEF?” The truth is, there’s no single formula—but successful projects share certain traits.

1. Relevance to Florida
Projects that connect with Florida-specific challenges often resonate with judges. Examples include:

• Studying the effects of red tide on marine ecosystems.
• Designing hurricane-resilient housing solutions.
• Exploring renewable energy options for coastal communities.
• Addressing invasive species like lionfish or Burmese pythons.

2. Innovation and Creativity
Judges look for new ideas or new applications of existing concepts. Even small innovations—like using AI to model beach erosion—can make a big impact.

3. Measurable and Rigorous Research
Projects should be testable, data-driven, and replicable. Whether your project involves lab work, field experiments, or computational modeling, clean data and sound analysis are essential.

Steps to Success at the Florida SEF (Advice from a STEM Mentor)

Step 1: Preparation – Build a Strong Foundation

• Start early—months, not weeks. The best projects aren’t rushed together in January. Many winning projects begin as summer research, long-term observations, or partnerships with local labs or universities.
• Frame a clear research question. Judges love projects that are laser-focused. Instead of “How do fertilizers affect plants?” ask “How does nitrogen concentration in runoff impact the growth rate of native Florida mangroves compared to invasive Brazilian pepper plants?” The second question is specific, testable, and locally relevant.
• Do a literature review. Many students skip this step, but it’s essential. Search scientific journals (Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR) and understand what has already been done. Judges can tell immediately if you’ve built your project on real science instead of a classroom experiment.

Step 2: Execution – Do Real Science

• Design with replication in mind. One of the most common weaknesses at SSEF is projects with too small a sample size. Judges want to see repeatability and statistical significance, not one-off results.
• Use the right tools. If you’re coding, use Python with libraries like Pandas or TensorFlow, not just Excel. If you’re testing water quality, get access to calibrated sensors rather than hobby kits. Show that you understand why precision matters.
• Document everything. Keep a lab notebook or digital log. Judges love when students can show how their project evolved with each iteration.

Step 3: Presentation – Tell a Story

• Your board/poster is not a textbook. It should be clean, professional, and visually engaging. Avoid walls of text. Use charts, images, and diagrams that make your data immediately understandable.
• Highlight your role. If you had help from a lab, mentor, or teacher, be clear about what you did independently. Judges want to reward your contribution, not your access to equipment.
• Craft a strong conclusion. Don’t just say “My hypothesis was correct.” Tie your results back to Florida and beyond: “These findings suggest a scalable, low-cost way to reduce red tide impacts on coastal fisheries.”

Step 4: Practice for Q&A – Own Your Work

• Anticipate the hard questions. Judges may ask:
  • What are the limitations of your project?
  • How could this research be applied in the real world?
  • What would you do differently if you had another year?
    The strongest competitors embrace limitations instead of trying to hide them.
• Know the “why” behind your methods. If you chose a t-test over ANOVA, be ready to explain why. If you used a particular sensor, know its error margin. These details show maturity as a researcher.
• Practice with strangers. Present to someone outside your field (like a family member or teacher from another subject). If they can follow your story, judges will too.

Judging Criteria at SSEF

The projects that really stand out at SSEF aren’t always the flashiest—they’re the ones where students show they own their science. Judges want to see curiosity, persistence, and a clear understanding of the process, not just polished results. Judges at the Florida Science and Engineering Fair evaluate projects based on:

• Originality & Creativity: Is the idea fresh and innovative?
• Scientific Rigor: Does the research use proper methodology and analysis?
• Clarity of Presentation: Is the project explained in a clear and compelling way?
• Impact & Relevance: Does the project address real-world challenges?

Understanding these criteria helps students prepare with purpose.

Why SSEF of Florida Matters for College Admissions

For high school students, SSEF is more than an academic challenge—it’s a chance to shine in the eyes of colleges. Admissions officers value:

• Independent Research Skills: Demonstrates initiative beyond the classroom.
• STEM Competitiveness: Signals readiness for rigorous programs.
• Awards & Recognition: Adds weight to applications and scholarship opportunities.

In short, SSEF achievements can set a student apart in competitive admissions environments.

Timeline & Path to ISEF

The journey begins at regional and county science fairs across Florida. Top winners advance to SSEF, which typically takes place in the spring. From there, the very best projects move on to represent Florida at the Regeneron ISEF, competing with students worldwide.

Fast Forward

The Florida Science and Engineering Fair is a transformative experience that prepares students for college, careers, and beyond. By choosing a meaningful project, committing to rigorous research, and presenting with clarity, students can maximize their chances of success.

Future Forward Mentorship
If you’re aiming for SSEF—or even ISEF—our team at Future Forward is here to support your journey. Preparing for a competition like SSEF takes more than just a good idea. It requires mentorship, strategy, and polish. With our two-step approach—Preparation and Presentation—we help turn ideas into award-winning projects.