The S.T.E.M. department hosts three major events throughout the school year. The purpose of these events is to further peak student interest in STEM related fields. Many scientists from our community donate their time to mentor, judge, and/or teach our IUSD students.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering as a scientist for any of these events please fill out this form IUSD STEM Events Volunteer Registration. A STEM background is required.
For more information please call the STEM department at (949) 936-5057 or via email at LisaZuorski@iusd.org
Ask-A-Scientist Night
Sponsored by Irvine Public Schools Foundations, in partnership with Broadcom Foundation, annually, this event prepares 6-12 grade students for their science fair project. During Ask-A-Scientist Night, students are able to ask scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals questions and get advice about their ideas for their science fair project.
Date: Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Time: 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Location: Learning Center next to Creekside High School
21st century career conference
Select Middle School students have the opportunity to attend four break-out sessions. Students hear from a variety of dynamic speakers about the many exciting facets of scientific, technological, and engineering careers. Members of the community volunteer to speak or conduct demonstrations about their STEM related careers. Due to the limited space for this event, the selection process of which students may attend is at the discretion of the teacher.
Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Time: 9:30 AM -12:15 PM
Location: Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UCI
Science Fair
2021-2022 IUSD Science Fair Description
2021-22 IUSD Science Fair - - Sponsored by Irvine Public Schools Foundation in partnership with Broadcom Foundation.
This year IUSD 6th-12th grade students will be provided the opportunity to explore their STEM passions through participation in IUSD’s annual Science Fair. Students who choose to participate will submit a Google Site containing a digital presentation, video and brief abstract.
A virtual fair, in which all projects will be available for public viewing, will be held January 24-February 4, 2022. During this time, projects will be judged by community members in STEM professions. An awards ceremony celebrating all participants is scheduled to be held in-person at University High School on February 15, 2022. Projects that are chosen to advance to the 2022 Orange County Science and Engineering Fair (OCSEF) will be notified by February 4, 2022. Registration for projects advancing to OCSEF must be completed by February 15, 2022.
For all students in Grades 6-12, participation in the Science Fair will be optional and completed outside of school hours. Support will be provided by mentor teachers at each site. Students may complete individual projects or work in groups of up to 3 people.
A Canvas course providing detailed instructions, resources, and examples is available to all students. Teacher mentors and Science Specialists will provide the link to students.
Prior to beginning their project, students are required to complete the OCSEF Initial Project Screening, including all necessary pre-approval forms. Digital project submissions for all students participating in the IUSD District Science Fair are due no later than January 5, 2021 at 4 p.m.
Please see the Science Fair Rules for additional information.
Important Dates
Aug. 1, 2021: OCSEF Initial Project Screening opens - required for ALL projects
September 13, 2021, 6:00-7:00 p.m.: IUSD Science Fair Parent/Student Information Night
If you missed the Information Night, use the links below to access the presentations. Also, students should join the IUSD Science Fair Canvas Course for the most up-to-date Science Fair information and resources to support students.
September 16 – December 18, 2021, 3:00-4:00 p.m.: IUSD Science Fair Office Hours
A weekly opportunity for 6th grade students to get questions answered and guidance on projects.
September 29, 2021, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Ask a Scientist Night
- Location: Creekside Education Center
- Registration is not required
- Masks are required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status.
October 1, 2021: Deadline for 6th Grade Students to submit Intent to Participate to Science Specialists
January 5, 2022: IUSD Digital Project Submission Deadline
January 24-February 4, 2022: IUSD Virtual Science Fair
February 15, 2022: IUSD Science Fair Awards Ceremony
OCSEF Resources
OCSEF provides additional support for students interested in participating in a Science & Engineering Fair.
OCSEF How to Pick a Science/Engineering Project Topic Workshop
Sat. Sept. 25, 2021,10-11 am
Designed for students who have never completed a science / engineering project or students who want to review the basic tips and resources that will spark your imagination to create an attention-grabbing project. We will guide you through a process to identify your interests and introduce you to a variety of resources to explore.
Click here to register.
OCSEF Research and Engineering Design Academy
Based on the highly successful 2020 programs, OCSEF is offering the OCSEF "Research and Engineering Design Academy" in October-November, 2021, followed by weekly "Ask a Scientist/Engineer" sessions from November, 2021 through January, 2022.
- Oct. 2–Nov. 6, 2021, 6 sessions Science Fair Academy, Beginners (1.5 hrs./session)
- Oct. 2–Nov. 6, 2021, 6 sessions Science Fair Academy, Advanced (1.5 hrs./session)
- Nov.13–Jan. 15, 2022, 7 sessions Ask a Scientist/Engineer Program
- (11/13/21, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8/22, 1/15/22)
Check the OCSEF website (www.ocsef.org) in the Fall for updates and details on Academy workshop registration.
