San Andreas, CA…Calaveras County students in 4th – 12th grades, who are recommended by their school or have won at their school’s Science Fair, will participate in the 32nd Annual Countywide Science Fair on Saturday, March 11, 2017, in the Calaveras River Academy/Mountain Oaks School gymnasium at 150 Old Oak Road, San Andreas.

There will be a free public preview of Science Fair projects prior to the judging from 9-9:45am, and the public is welcome to explore the demonstration area throughout the morning. Demonstrations include at least eight different student projects, as well as a guest appearance by Ken Jones’ A-Team for Wildlife.

Again this year, the Science Fair will be divided into competitive and demonstration projects. Competitive projects will be judged against a standard, and will be awarded first, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons. Judging of projects begins at 9:45 a.m. and includes an interview with the student(s) by a team of judges. Judging is based on creativity, scientific thought, skill, clarity, and the student’s interview. The students who submit the top projects in each of four categories: Life Science, Behavioral and Cognitive Science, Physical Science and Engineering, and Math and Computers, will be awarded plaques. The school of the student with the best project overall will win a traveling trophy to be displayed at the school until next year’s Science Fair. Up to six competitive projects from grades six through twelve may be recommended for participation in the California State Science Fair in May.

Demonstration projects will be displayed around the perimeter of the gym and judged by popular vote. Students, families, and other Science Fair attendees will have the opportunity to explore the demonstrations while the competitive interviews are taking place. All demonstrations will receive a participation ribbon, and the student or group with the winning demonstration project will receive a special plaque.

Awards will be presented at the Awards Ceremony in the afternoon at approximately 3:00 pm.

“We are pleased that Science Fair participation is up this year,” said Lauren Robinson, coordinator of Student Events for the Calaveras County Office of Education. “With the public viewing time and all the new demonstrations, it should be fun for the audience — we want to encourage parents and friends to come out and enjoy the event as well.”

Information about the Science Fair, forms and schedules may be accessed at CCOE’s website at http://www.ccoe.k12.ca.us/Page/640.

The Calaveras County Office of Education wishes to thank the Teichert Foundation for their generous support of Calaveras County Student Events.