1. Los Angeles County Science Fair March 23 – 25, 2017 Pasadena Convention Center

2. Judging Standards 100 points
Creativity – 30 points – Originality of the problem uniqueness of approach and the handling or interpretation should be at grade level.
Scientific Thought or Engineering Goals – 30 points – The project shows depth of study and effort in employing scientific procedures toward the solution of a clearly defined problem.
Thoroughness – 15 points – The study is complete within the scope of the problem. Scientific literature has been searched, experiments repeated, and careful records kept.
Skill – 15 points – Credit is given for special skills needed for the construction or use of equipment and for mathematical, computational, observational, and design skills.
Clarity – 10 points – The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly explained orally and through the display. The project notebook is well organized, neat and accurate.

3. Questions to be asked at the Hale and LA County Science Fair
Why did you choose this experiment?
Why is the significance of this project to your life?
What were your variables?
What were your controls?
How did you make sure to run a fair (controlled) experiment?
What were your significant findings? (Results)
Did your results match your research?
Did you have any discrepant events?
What further results/experiments might you now be interested in doing?

4. Interview Tips & Tools
Think of yourself as belonging to the science community
You are sharing your ideas among colleagues
Find a way to get physically comfortable with yourself just before you begin.
Breathe easily!
Draw from what you know by heart – so that it doesn’t sound overly “memorized”
Speak from your place of confidence!
Communicate in a natural manner, not rushed, perhaps just a bit slower than usual.
Give each idea its moment in the sun.
Let your opening start with a BIG IDEA, then connect it to your research topic.
Place your project into context.

5. Interview Tips & Tools
Provide a brief overview of highlights, like an abstract or a movie trailer.
Excite your audience about your project!
Allow questions and comments to guide the direction of your presentation.
Pause from time to time to allow for dialogue.
If you don’t know, use the moment to think out loud with your colleagues.
Show the quality of your thinking process!
Used sparling, humor, charm,, and eye contact may help you connect with your colleagues.
Stay focused on the science story!

6. Student Project Categories
Animal Biology
Animal Physiology
Behavioral Science – Non Human
Behavioral/Social Science – Human
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chemistry – Applied
Chemistry – General
Earth/Space Science
Ecology
Engineering Application
Engineering Research
Environmental Management
Material Science
Mathematics/Computer Sciences
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Physics – Aerodynamics/Hydrodynamics
Physics – Electricity & Magnetism
Physics – General
Plant Biology
Plant Physiology
Product Science

7. Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project
The first you thing you need to know is that a science fair project is different from a school report on a special topic like whales, planets, or climate change.
It is also different from making a model such as a volcano or solar system.
A science fair project involves conducting an experiment to answer a question or solve a problem.
The key to a successful project is combining the correct use of scientific method with an original idea.

8. Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project
The key to getting the most out of your science fair project is to start working on it as soon as possible!
If you wait until the last minute you will feel rushed, which leads to feelings of frustration and anxiety, which makes good science harder than it needs to be.
These steps for developing a science project work, even if you procrastinate until the last possible minute, but your experience won't be as much fun!
Think about what interests you.
Think of a testable question.

9. Student Code of Conduct
All Students Must Dress in a Professional Attire During the Hale and LA County Science Fair.
Students will act with good sportsmanship
Students will act with integrity and treat others with courtesy
Students will respect Fair volunteers, staff, and judges and their decisions

10. LA County Science Fair Winners 2016
The Effect of Runoff Substances on the Fertilization of Sea Urchins
Help Me Concentrate! Does Chewing Gum Effect Concentration?
Drop by Drop: Manipulating the Surface Tension of Water to Find the Best Way of Cleaning
Building Better Earthquake Resistant Structures

11. LA County Science Fair Project 2016
Sand Vs No Sand: Which Desalinate Will Yield More Fresh Water?
Can We Purify Our Ocean’s Water So We Can Drink it?
How Does Acid Rain Affect Building Materials?
What Materials Obstruct Wi-Fi?
Building a Light-Tracking Bristlebot
Fighting Fire: Fire Extinguishing Robot with Sensor
Which Cereal Has the Most Iron?
Does a Horse’s Shoulder Angel Affect its Stride?
Fly Me to the Moon Jellyfish: The Study of Jellyfish Disintegration and Ocean Acidification

12. Awards For Students
Each student exhibitor, individual, who participates in the Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair, receives a Certificate of Participation.
First Place, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention in each Project Category and Division, will receive a Medal of Merit. Students who do not place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or Honorable Mention will receive a Recognition Metal.
Special Award Winners will be selected by corporate, scientific and professional organizations. Prizes range from cash awards, gift certificates and internships.