Angels Camp, CA…Residents of Calaveras County may be surprised to learn that Albert Michelson, the first American scientist awarded the Nobel Prize, lived in Murphys, CA as a child. A plaque marks the location of his childhood home on Main Street. This piece of local folklore continues to be an inspiration for many. A small group of individuals have recently formed a new advisory council to encourage increased participation in county level STEM activities such as the Calaveras County Science Fair. They have raised money and dedicated their time to creating prizes for science fair project category winners.

The intent of this newly formed group is to continue to inspire young individuals to seek out STEM
education and experiences. The council felt that using the local legend, Albert Michelson, was very fitting
and decided to name the new award “Nobel Laureate and Native Son, Albert Michelson Science Prize” and
emphasize that the prize is not associated with Albert Michelson Elementary school in Murphys.
In addition to creating and fund raising for the cash prizes, the STEM Advisory Council is also offering
coaching for students who plan to enter the science fair and submit a request for support.
All Calaveras county students, grades 4th through 12th, are eligible to submit an entry into the Calaveras
County Science Fair, operated by the Calaveras County Office of Education. Now, with the newly formed
STEM Advisory Council, each of the science fair category winners will receive a $250 cash prize. Science
fair entries are grouped into four categories: Physical Science and Engineering, Life Science, Behavioral or
Cognitive Science, and Math or Computer Science.
Students should get started on their science projects now for submission to the Calaveras County Science
Fair on March 5, 2022. This year’s science fair will be 100% virtual to ensure the safety of all participants.
Those in 6th grade-12th grade who either win their category or who really impress the judges, will be
eligible to participate in the California State Science and Engineering Fair, also virtual this year, on April
12, 2022.
For more information, visit www.ccoe.k12.ca.us/sciencefair/ or contact Debbie Strand, Coordinator of
Communication and Student Events for CCOE at dstrand@ccoe.k12.ca.us, for more information on how to
donate or participate in this year’s Calaveras County Science Fair.

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