PLAN YOUR PROJECT

The COVID-19 Virtual STEM Fair aims to create an inclusive opportunity for all students in Sacramento County. To insure this, students are able to choose one of the two types of projects.

Categories

All submissions are required to fall under one of the following categories.

Science

Physics: Studies of magnetism, motion, particle physics, nuclear physics, forces (anything with focus on gravity and Newton’s laws—tension, springs, etc.) and energy, including any content from Physics C—calculus based math. For example the egg-drop, bouncing balls, and pendulum experiments are part of physics.

Earth Science: Studies of environmental changes such as climate change, weather, and geology. Also includes astronomy. For example, a project about the rain cycle, alternative fuels, or the different types of rocks or stars.

Biology: You can study plants and animals, medical science, neuroscience, organisms/systems, genetics, and food (fats, proteins, lipids). This includes experiments on cell division, photosynthesis, anatomy and physiology, and diseases.

Chemistry: Any specific chemical experiments or reactions that either you are creating or observing in the real world. You can do chemical experiments with rusting, crystals, or mixing copper with a nitric acid while recording the results. Must have safety precautions.

Engineering

Design: You use programs such as *CADD, Inventor, or Revit to showcase a personal project such as mechanical components, 3D models, or architectural. For example, a 3D model in Inventor of every component in a guitar.

*You can use any design program of your choice.

Mechanical: Any hands on projects. It could involve mathematics, science, or other types of engineering. For example, a Popsicle bridge that can withstand 50 lbs.

Electrical: It involves circuits, electricity, or electronics, and follows the laws of electricity. It also includes batteries (unless there is a focus on its ions and elements—therefore a chemistry experiment). Must have safety precautions. For example, a control panel for a ROV.

Technology

Computer Science: Any coded programs, such as computer apps or HTML pages.

Computer Engineering : Creating the hardware of the computer. For example, building a PC or programming the ROM of the computer.

Robotics: Anything that uses a set of programs to control a set of robotics.

All students are highly encouraged to read through the rubric, linked above, to better understand the requirements and grading expectations of this event. The rubric includes both the grading categories and in-depth descriptions of each of those categories, so it is easier to understand what each of those categories means. Links to the rubric can also be found at the end of each of the project requirement pages.