Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair

March 16 - 22, 2009

24th Annual Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair
(Grades 4 - 12)
Sequoia Mall, Visalia

The Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair is held annually in the Spring. Traditionally, over 250 science fair projects from grades 4-12 representing schools throughout the county are on display for public view. These projects recognize the outstanding effort and scientific achievement of Tulare County students. Science experts from a wide variety of fields involving both the private and public sectors judge the projects. This year, students have the opportunity to develop projects from one of two different strands:

The first strand, "SHOWING SCIENCE", includes projects that showcase the student's skills and/or conceptual understanding through demonstrations and/or a model. This type of project is not a "traditional" project because it does not ask for experimental data. It is experiential in nature and reflects what a student already knows. Students entering a project in the "SHOWING SCIENCE" strand must submit their project within three major categories:

Technology/Multimedia (Video, Website, Powerpoint Presentation)
Visual Display (Display, Book, Poster/Brochure)
Artistic Representation (Musical Composition, Theatrical Presentation)

The second strand, "DOING SCIENCE", includes projects that follow the "traditional" guidelines, and support a problem-solving methodology. This type of project asks for adherence to the scientific method; therefore, it is experimental in design. All projects within the "DOING SCIENCE" strand are categorized within ten major areas of content:

Behavioral & Social Sciences
Botany
Earth & Space Science
Engineering & Mathematics
Environmental Science
Medicine & Health
Microbiology & Biochemistry
Physical Science
Product Testing & Materials Science
Zoology

Outstanding projects receive special recognition through the awarding of ribbons and plaques. The top three projects in each category receive a special award from a community-based business. Local industries, such as the health and farming communities, often sponsor special awards for projects meeting specific criteria. The Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair is affiliated with the California State Science Fair. The top science fair projects, as judged by a panel of experts, will continue on to compete in the California State Science Fair.

Questions? Contact Jonathan Janzen at jonathanj@tcoe.org or Juani Rubio at juanir@tcoe.org or phone (559) 651-3043.

The Tulare County Regional
Science & Engineering Fair
is affiliated with the
California State Science Fair.

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.