The Arthur Berkey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair

Friday, January 24, 2025: Preliminary materials due
Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Arthur Berkey Science Fair at MSU's Wharton Center

The Arthur Berkey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair recognizes middle and high school students who are studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agriculture and natural resources. Participation begins at the local chapter/club level, progresses to the state level, and for FFA members the national level. Areas of participation closely mirror those of the International Science and Engineering Fair but reflect an agriculture and natural resources theme.

The Arthur Berkey Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science Fair is broke into two rounds. 
          1. Preliminary Round, Research Papers and Video Presentations are due for submission on January 24, 2025. 
          2. Science Fair, Presentation and Q&A with judges at the Arthur Berkey Science Fair on March 5, 2025. 

Project Categories include:

  • Animal Systems
  • Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems
  • Food Products and Processing Systems
  • Plant Systems
  • Power, Structural and Technical Systems
  • Social Science

Categories are separated into the six divisions below.

  • Division 1 – individual member in grades 7 and 8
  • Division 2 – team of two members in grades 7 and 8
  • Division 3 – individual member in grades 9 and 10
  • Division 4 – team of two members in grades 9 and 10
  • Division 5 – individual member in grades 11 and 12
  • Division 6 – team of two members in grades 11 and 12

Eligibility Rules
Competition is open to all FFA and 4-H members in grades 7-12.

Submission Requirements
In order to participate in the Science Fair, please complete the online registration in full. There will be a section to input the video presentation link and two required file uploads. One is for the full research paper and the second is for a file containing only the abstract of the research paper. Files must be in PDF version. Please save the files in the following formats. 

 Individual Divisions (1, 3, and 5)
          Paper: 'Paper_Last Name_Category_Division #'. Example: Paper_Warner_Animal Systems_Division 3
          Abstract: 'Abstract_ Last Name_Category_Division #'. Example: Abstract_Warner_Animal Systems_Division 3

 Partner Divisions (2, 4, and 6)
          Paper
: 'Paper_Both Last Names_Category_Division #'. Example: Paper_WarnerSmith_Animal Systems_Division 4
          Abstract: 'Abstract_Both Last Names_Category_Division #'. Example: Abstract_WarnerSmith_Animal Systems_Division 4

Science Fair Judge Registration

Judge Registration for Arthur Berkey Science Fair is open.

Judge Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 28, 2025.

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For more information or help with the registration process, please contact Shelby Warner at 517-884-7076, or warner80@msu.edu.