Scientific Inquiry
Student Showcase & Competition
The Nevada County STEAM Expo Scientific Inquiry challenge is an annual competition open to TK-12th grade students residing in Nevada County. This competition serves to cultivate a keen interest in and enthusiasm for science, mathematics, and engineering. It also provides a rewarding competitive platform where students can proudly present their research projects, setting the stage for their academic journey.
Tools for Students
CSEF Senior Division - Project Presentation Rules (Grades 6-12)
CSEF Project Checklist - Grades 6-12
9-12th Guidelines for Conducting a Scientific Experiment
6-8th Creating and Doing Science Experiments
TK-5 Trying Fun Science Experiments
For more information, please contact Carolyn Ferrero at cferrero@nevco.org.
Here's a breakdown of the competition:
Junior Division Projects (Grades TK-5):
Individual students, groups of students, and families with students in grades TK-5 are welcome to enter projects in the Junior Division.
These projects offer newcomers to the Science and Engineering Fair process a chance to become familiar with the event.
Junior Division projects will receive recognition through a participation ribbon.
It's important to note that Junior Division projects are not eligible to advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair.
Individuals and teams in the TK-5 Senior Division Category can submit their projects by Friday, May 24, 2024, before 9 PM through the zFair link provided.
Senior Division Projects (Grades 6-12):
Students in grades 6-12 interested in competing in the California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) must complete the state application before entering the Nevada County STEAM Expo.
The science fair application can be downloaded and submitted as a hard copy with your student project. You can find the application here: link to application.
Students in grades 6-12 may enter the CSEF, and all projects must adhere to the scientific method or engineering design process.
Project topics will fall into various categories such as: Life Sciences, Physical Science, Mathematics & Computational, Environmental, Behavioral Cognitive, and Product Testing. The final category placement will be determined by NCSoS.
Additional Project Information (Grades 6-12):
Individuals and teams in the 6-12 Senior Division Category can submit their projects by Friday, March 8, 2024, before 9 PM through the zFair link provided.
Individual and team projects will be judged in separate categories.
All projects will receive recognition through a participation ribbon.
In each category, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be presented.
Judges will select the top 6 CSEF (Grades 6-12 Scientific Inquiry ONLY) projects that will advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair.
The top 6 projects in our Senior Division (grades 6-12) will move on to the California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). CSEF is an event exclusively for Scientific Inquiry Projects in grades 6-12. In April 2024, student representatives for the 2024 California Science & Engineering Fair will submit their projects through zFair, competing for recognition at the state level. Our Nevada County student representatives from middle schools and high schools will compete alongside more than 900 participants from 400 schools across California. They'll have the chance to win awards totaling $75,000.
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