VENTURA COUNTY — Vaccine hesitancy, biodegradable plastic and ocean acidification are just some of the timely subjects of entries in the 2021 Ventura County Science Fair. The event, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, was held entirely online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many students were unable to access the usual resources, tools and support that schools provide for science fair participants, this year’s event still drew several creative and innovative entries.
In a normal year, the Science Fair draws hundreds of participants who present their projects to judges at the Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran. This year, the entries were all submitted online and the judges interviewed students via videoconferencing. The judges are local professionals who work in science-related fields and volunteer their time for the event.
All of the students who entered this year are eligible to advance to the California Science & Engineering Fair, which will be held April 13-21. The students’ visual displays, written reports and supporting videos are all available to view online at this link.
About the Ventura County Science Fair — With categories from animal sciences to physics, the Ventura County Science Fair is designed to promote and reward the achievements of our students in various scientific fields. By developing skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, students are laying the groundwork for their future success. The theme of this year’s science fair is “Imagine a Sustainable Planet.”
The Science Fair brings together students, teachers and scientists from around Ventura County to give students an awareness of the importance of science in their lives and to cultivate their interest in science careers. The Science Fair enhances students’ scientific knowledge and research skills, reinforces science content standards for California public schools and recognizes outstanding student achievement. It also motivates students to undertake and complete scientific inquiries in their special areas of interest.
More information about the Ventura County Science Fair is available on the VCOE website at www.vcoe.org/ScienceFair.
About the Ventura County Office of Education — The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.