Teacher Resources
Support Students to Join the STEAM Expo!
In order to advance equitable access to inquiry-based learning, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education invites you and your students to participate in the Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo in March 2025! More than just a Science Fair, the STEAM Expo offers students the opportunity to compete, exhibit, and receive feedback on their projects, while also providing engaging activities for the whole family.
The purpose of the Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo is to promote the STEAM identities of ALL students, foster interest in STEAM-centered careers, and support the implementation of the California State Standards. Returning this year is our competition rubric aligned with the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices, enabling students to compete against the NGSS standards instead of each other.
Ways to Get Involved
Option 1: Encourage students to create a project independently, following instructions on the student page!
Option 2: Form a club and mentor students who are interested in submitting science or engineering projects
Option 3: Lead your whole class to participate as part of the curriculum, either through a single class project in the showcase -- or by assigning each student to complete an individual project
Need support with Science Fair or Invention?
Are your students looking for a mentor?
Contact Dr. Wygant at hwygant@santacruzcoe.org
Resources
Why Do Science Fair in the Classroom?
Registering Students on zFairs
- How to Register Students on zFairs: Guide and step-by-step directions to register a student on zFairs
Getting students Started with Projects
- Important Dates for 2025: Find project registration deadlines and key from 2025 STEAM Expo through International Competitions.
Important Safety Rules to Follow
As an ISEF Affiliated fair all projects must follow and abide by the International Rules for Pre-college Science Research
Safety Regulations apply to ALL students, though only grades 6-12 must submit SRC paperwork. Please see Safety Review Page for more information.
- Do I need Safety Review?: Flowchart showing which ISEF forms are needed for High School participants
Supporting Student Research in the Classroom Resources
- Successful Science Fair Projects: Website with videos, lessons and more for teachers supporting students with research projects. Useful for those planning to implement Option 2 or 3!
Resources to Start a Site Science Fair
- Starting a Science Fair Google Folder: Google Folder with resources to start a Site based Science Fair