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Description of Event

On March 12, 2022, the Tulare County Office of Education will host the Eighth Annual STEAM Expo. TCOE values meaningful, relevant educational opportunities that prepare students for college, career, and life. This event is designed to engage students and families in learning about educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The STEAM Expo provides students with fun, engaging activities to build knowledge about STEAM, including a Science & Engineering Fair, Coding Activities, Robotics Activities & Exhibition, Hands-On Art Activities and MakerSpace. Participants, coaches and the public can visit vendor and exhibitor booths during the STEAM Expo.

This event is open to the public in an “open house” type of format.

EVENT BREAKDOWN

Science & Engineering Fair Information

The Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair is held as part of the STEAM Expo. Participating projects will be put on display to recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements in science and engineering. Science experts representing a wide-variety of public and private sectors are invited to judge the projects.

The outcomes for the TCSEF are to:

Motivate and develop the interests of ALL students in STEM fields,
Recognize the achievements and efforts of students in STEM,
Encourage independent and/or group research and development, and
Identify exemplary projects that will advance to the California State Science and Engineering Fair.

Students in grades 3-12 may enter the TCSEF. Projects may enter the TCSEF in one of two divisions: Competitive and Non-Competitive. All projects need to adhere to the scientific method or engineering design process. Project topics will address one of the following categories:

Life Sciences
Earth and Space Sciences
Physical Science: Chemistry
Physical Science: Physics
Engineering and Mathematics
Behavioral and Social Sciences

The final category placement of each project will be determined by TCOE.

Competitive Project Information:

Individuals and groups of 2-3 may enter projects.
All who develop the project have the opportunity to be interviewed by judges the day of the event. (Interviews are not mandatory, but it is recommended.)
All projects will be recognized with a participation ribbon.
Each category will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places awarded.
Judges will select the top 6 TCSEF projects that will advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair.

Non-Competitive Project Information:

Individual students, groups of students, and families of students in grades 3-12 may enter a project in the Non-Competitive division.
Non-Competitive projects are an opportunity for newcomers to the Science and Engineering Fair process to become familiar with the event.
Non-competitive projects will be recognized with a participation ribbon.
Non-competitive projects are not eligible to advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair.

Each project will require a $10 entry fee.

Robotics/Coding Activities

Robots and artificial intelligence touch nearly every aspect of our lives. This technology is guided by code. Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities to code robots in order to solve challenges

The outcomes for Robotics/Coding Activities are to:

Introduce students to coding
Explore potential career opportunities
Familiarize students with the purpose of robotics in everyday life
Identify the differences between robots and machines
Identify the main components of robots
Introduce students to building and programming robots

Students may engage in robotics/coding activities on the day of the event.

Robotics Exhibition

Students can head over to the Robotics Exhibition area to see what students are currently doing with robotics in the classroom. Some events that may be on display are Tug-of-War, Go Fish!, Sumo Bots and many more.

The outcomes for the Robotics Exhibition are to:

Provide a fun, non-competitive environment to test individual and team robots
Explore how to critically evaluate the products created by other individuals and teams
Engage in a collegial atmosphere that fosters continuous improvement
Promotes critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity

Individuals and groups of students currently participating in robotics clubs or classes at their school sites may enter into a non-competitive robotics exhibition. Students will engage their robotic designs in a variety of challenges and collaborate with students from other school sites.

Creativity Place

We're putting the A in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Math) in the Creativity Place. In this area, students will be able to discover fun and engaging ways to apply STEM concepts through the Arts.

The outcomes for the Creativity Place are to:

Encourage creative thinking and problem solving
Showcase hands-on explorations of STEAM connections
Explore the arts and the Studio Habits of Mind

Students will be able to participate in the Creativity Place an “Open House” type of format. Materials for creating will be provided.

MakerSpace

There is a revolution going right now. Students have become more and more interested in building things and making them work.

The outcomes for the Makerspace are to:

Spark students’ interest in creative and innovative ways of thinking and doing,
Explore the tools needed to construct innovations, and
Develop students’ awareness that they are producers by engaging in the Engineering Design Process.

Students will be able to participate in the Makerspace in an “Open House” type of format. Materials for tinkering and creating will be provided.

How to Create Your Own STEAM Expo!

Follow the informational links on this page or email Student Events Coordinator Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org, to learn how to create and manage this event for your own organization.

Regional Event Details

Supporting a Regional Hub of Excellence

March 12, 2022
TCOE Planetarium, Visalia

2022 TCSEF Bulletin

Event Contacts:

Paula Terrill
Student Event Coordinator - Science Fair
(559) 651-0565

Juliana Davidian
Student Event Coordinator - Expo
(559) 651-3003

Jared Marr
Staff Development & Curriculum Specialist - STEM

Reading 1, 2, 4 & 7-10

Speaking & Listening 1-6

Writing 1, 2 & 4-10

Problem Solving, Project and Presentation

SEP 1-8

Vendors & Exhibitors

Potential exhibitors include:

Non-Profits
Universities, Community Colleges, and Trade Schools
Educational Resources
Government Agencies
Schools/Clubs
Food Trucks

The STEAM Expo is a venue to connect students, families, and educators with resources provided by both community organizations and vendors.

If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2022 STEAM Expo, please fill out the Vendor Registration Form or click here to download. For additional information, email Juliana Davidian.

Helpful Downloadables

Science Fair Information and Rules:

Information for Coaches, Teachers, Students & Parents
Event Handbook

Helpful Websites

NASA JPL
CA State Science Fair
Internet Public Library
Library of Congress
Exploratorium
Society for Science
Anatomy of a Scholarly Article
Science Buddies
ProQuest Database (see your school administrator for log on)

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