UKIAH, CA—The 38th Annual Mendocino County Science and Engineering Fair & S.T.E.A.M. Expo, held March 16 at Mendocino College, celebrated young minds, creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The event offered a fun-filled day of learning that sparked the curiosity and imagination of students and their families. Alongside the Science and Engineering Fair, the S.T.E.A.M. Expo featured engaging activities and resources provided by educators, students, and community organizations that highlighted science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.).
The Science and Engineering Fair displayed over 135 projects from 179 3rd to 12th grade Mendocino County students. Twenty public, private, and charter schools participated in the fair. Ten exceptional projects were selected to advance to the 73rd California Science & Engineering Fair, which will be held virtually on April 16th. The winning entries were carefully evaluated by a panel of 51 local science, engineering, and education professionals who volunteered their time to serve as judges.
Additionally, students received special awards sponsored by community organizations, including Outstanding Young Scientist Award (Baechtel Creek Medical Clinic), Achievement in Scientific Methodology (South Ukiah Rotary), Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research (Odell Ranch), Award for Excellence in Wildlife Biology/Animal Behavior Research (Odell Ranch), Out of this World Award (Out of This World Optics), Paul Joens-Poulton Avant-Garde Award (MCOE), Insights & Innovations in Renewable Energy (Sonoma Clean Power), and Excellence in Environmental Science/Ecology (UC Hopland Research & Extension Center).
The Science and Engineering Fair & S.T.E.A.M. Expo is made possible through the support of Mendocino College and the Mendocino County education community, volunteers, community organizations, and businesses that recognize the importance of promoting science education and opportunities for students.
Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools Nicole Glentzer expressed her appreciation for the educators, volunteers, and community groups that came together to make the annual fair and S.T.E.A.M. Expo a success. Glentzer said “Children have innate curiosity and wonder, making them natural scientists. The Science Fair is a celebration that unites the entire Mendocino County education community and showcases our students' exceptional talents and limitless possibilities.”
For more information about the event, images, and a complete list of awardees, please visit the Mendocino County Office of Education’s event website: https://bit.ly/mendosci. To view a video highlight reel of the event, visit our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/Lw6u83AQNe4?feature=shared.