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Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair

March 19 - 23, 2012


General Information and Rules


Information for Teachers

27th Annual Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair
(Grades 3 - 12)
Sequoia Mall, Visalia


 The Tulare County Office of Education is sponsoring the 27th Annual Science and Engineering Fair. It will be held at the Sequoia Mall, March 19 - 23, 2012. All schools in Tulare County are encouraged to participate in this display of student scientific exploration.

All school districts planning to participate in the Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair MUST register in advance. School district space is allocated according to the number of school districts submitting advance registration and previous school winnings. School/District registrations are due December 16, 2011. Register using the Online School Registration Form. Your district will receive a confirmation letter after your school has registered noting your allocated number of spaces.

Refer as needed to the Tulare County Science Fair Coaches Handbook. It outlines all of the rules and regulations as well as giving helpful suggestions on creating a science fair project. Listed below are some important topics to consider:
  1. There are 10 main project categories in which students may participate:
    • Behavioral & Social Sciences
    • Botany
    • Earth & Space
    • Engineering & Mathematics
    • Environmental Science
    • Medicine & Health
    • Microbiology & Biochemistry
    • Physical Science
    • Product Testing & Materials Science
    • Zoology

  2. All projects MUST have an official Project Abstract Form displayed with the exhibit.

  3. Experiments that involve human subjects, nonhuman vertebrate animals, recombinant DNA, or human/animal tissue are designated as "RESTRICTED PROJECTS" and as such require approval from the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair before experimentation begins. The approval process involves completion, submission and approval of the form for "Certification of Compliance for Research Involving Human Subjects, the Human Treatment of Live Vertebrates, and Tissue Sample Sources."

  4. Experiments that involve research using pathogenic agents, controlled substances, hazardous materials and/or chemicals are designated as "RESTRICTED PROJECTS" and as such require approval from the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair before experimentation begins. The approval process involves completion, submission and approval of the form for "Certification of Compliance for Research Involving Pathogenic Agents, Hazardous Materials and/or Chemicals."

  5. All projects MUST have an Official Permission Form signed by both student and parent.
This year, as in years past, the only requirement for display of qualifying science fair projects is that the student projects be the "best" science projects from the school district as determined by local school district science fair judging.

Group projects will be accepted. A group should consist of no more than three students.

All student projects, identified by each participating school district for display at the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair, will receive "Distinguished Project Ribbons" in recognition of their contribution to the development of the scientific process.

Science fair judges will award Exemplary (blue) and Honors (red) ribbons to those projects deemed worthy. Wall plaques will be awarded to those projects that reflect the very best efforts of scientific investigation.

Additional information regarding the Science Fair schedule will be sent with the confirmation/allocation packet. Science projects need to be set up on Monday, March 19, 2012.

We look forward to your school's participation in this exciting student competition.

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