2025 San Mateo County STEM Fair
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STEM FAIR FOR WOODSIDE UPPER SCHOOL
 
Middle School Science is so much fun this year, and the students are learning so much. They are engaged, eager to learn, and adjusting well to the new expectations of their respective grades.
 
The virtual STEM FAIR is scheduled for March 15, 2025! The submission window opens on January 13 and closes on February 19.  Students are encouraged to get a jump on their projects. Participation in the STEM Fair for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders is OPTIONAL this year and will serve only as an enrichment opportunity.

Here are the details:
  • All students are encouraged to participate for FUN & the LOVE OF SCIENCE and LEARNING!
  • No grades will be given, which might mean a little less pressure or stress on the students.
  • No official class time will be given to help students with the project.
  • I am available to support and mentor ALL Upper School students: 6th, 7th, and 8th.
  • A County spot can be earned when a project and slideshow are completed and meet the County requirements. If there are more projects than spots, students will present to a larger group of judges to earn a spot.
  • Students can complete a STEM Fair project without interest in the County STEM Fair.
  • I will create a Google Classroom and provide resources like timelines, a scientific process outline, or a STEM Fair Details packet, helpful hints on how to prepare the Slideshow, and interviews with the judges for all students participating.
  • Students will be able to practice their presentation skills when they present their projects
  • either during class, recess, or lunch.
    • For 6th graders and 7B, time in science will be given for the students to present their STEM Fair projects and will take the place of their second-trimester Current Event Presentation.
    • The 8th Graders will present during lunch or recess.
  • Students can work independently or in pairs. No groups of three are allowed.
    • CHOOSE YOUR PARTNERS WISELY! Upper Schoolers are busy people!
  • I will be available to help the students in several different ways. Offering a variety of ways allows students to have structure but also to work at their own pace and around their busy schedules.
    • Students can consult with me only on a consult basis. They can email me or come see me at recess or lunch to ask questions or talk to me about the project.
    • During my Office Hours on Mondays at Lunch.
    • The project can be done at home and independently. Some communication will be necessary for participation in the County STEM Fair.
    • I will be here to help the students in whatever capacity they need.
The STEM Fair is a fantastic opportunity to research something they love in science, practice the scientific process, analyze data, create charts and graphs, build something, and communicate their findings to others without the pressure of a grade.
 
The STEM Fair is a unique and unforgettable opportunity! Please encourage your students to participate, and feel free to contact me with any questions!
 
Thanks so much for your support and time in this process! I love the STEM Fair and can’t wait to see what the Upper School students learn this year!
 
For more information regarding the process and expectations at the County level, you can use this link-https://www.stemfair.net/
 
:) Mrs. Parker
 
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2024 San Mateo County STEM Fair Results
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   2nd Place: 
     Alex Z. — How does laundry detergent affect the durability of clothes?
     Molly S. — What plant is the best at reducing soil erosion? 

   Honorable Mention
     Maggie P. & Zoya K. — Which type of wipe picks up more bacteria?
     Reed H. — Does changing the amount of bounces of a tennis ball affect the height a tennis ball bounces?

   Other Entries: 
     Charlotte W. & Caitlin H. — Is there a difference in air quality between scented and unscented candles?
     Sophia N. — How do different soil contaminants affect plant growth?
     James R. — What type of windmill blade is most efficient?