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.

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