Students compete in 73rd annual North Museum Science & Engineering Fair, presented by The Arconic Foundation
The 2026 NMSEF includes more than 250 student finalists, an increase of 39% over 2025 participation levels, and the largest level of participation since prior to the Pandemic.
(LANCASTER)—The public is invited to join families, fans and friends to see over 250 young scientists’ and engineers’ experimental projects as Lancaster and Lebanon County students in grades 6 through 12 as they present a diverse body of science projects at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair (NMSEF), Thursday, March 12 at Millersville University. Student projects will be accessible to the public from 4pm to 6:30pm. The NMSEF Awards ceremony follows at 6:30pm.
The 2026 NMSEF includes more than 250 student finalists, an increase of 39% over 2025 participation levels, and the largest level of participation since prior to the Pandemic. More than 70 volunteers from a wide cross section of local educational institutions and STEM- focused businesses will judge the student projects representing 16 high schools and 12 middle schools.
The top two students’ projects from the NMSEF’s senior division—the Grand Champion and the Senior Champion—earn the right to travel to the International Science and Engineering Fair and compete with 1,700 of their peers from around the world in Phoenix, Arizona from May 9 through 15, 2026.
North Museum has been organizing the Science & Engineering Fair for 16 years, welcoming students in grades 6–12 from public, private, charter, online, parochial, and home schools. The NMSEF is one of just six fairs in Pennsylvania associated with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international science competition for pre-college students.
“The North Museum is grateful for the ongoing generosity of our many sponsors, and their commitment to supporting access to STEM education opportunities for students in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties,” says Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. “We are also thankful for the outstanding contributions from our judges, volunteers and participating teachers and students.”
Dr. Dan Daneker, the museum’s Science Fair Coordinator, commented, “Seeing these young stemologists excited for their research is not only gratifying as a science teacher, but reassuring that the future is bright. The Science and Engineering Fair helps our young scientists and engineers learn if research is right for them. Coupled with the commitment of the local STEM community who rallies behind our students, the results are amazing!”
Those interested in sponsoring future science fairs to keep them free to all students should contact Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at sdowns@northmuseum.org.
The 2026 North Museum Science & Engineering Fair is sponsored by Electron Energy Company, Kenvue, Eurofins, the Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Matt Glick, Lancaster Area Sewer Authority, The Stangl Foundation and Millersville University.
List of Categories
NMSEF Categories (Senior Division)
- Animal & Behavioral Science
- Biochemistry & Biomedical Science
- Chemistry, Energy, & Materials Science
- Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Environmental, Engineering Technology & Robotics
- Microbiology
- Physics & Mathematics
- Plant Sciences
NMSEF Categories (Junior Division)
- Botany
- Consumer Science
- Earth Science
- Engineering
- Life Science
- Physical Science
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