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 14, 2022
Time: 6:00PM – 7:15PM
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 13, 2022
Time: 9:30 AM -12:15 PM
Location: TBA
Science Fair
2022-2023 IUSD Science Fair - January 23 - February 3, 2023
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 23-February 3, 2023. During this time, projects will be judged by community members in STEM professions. Projects that are chosen to advance to the 2023 Orange County Science and Engineering Fair (OCSEF) will be notified.
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 (link will be available August 1st), 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 6, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Please see the Science Fair Rules for additional information.
Important Dates
Aug. 1, 2022: OCSEF Initial Project Screening opens - required for ALL projects
IUSD Science Fair Parent/Student Information Video
September 14, 2022, 6:00-7:30 p.m.: Ask a Scientist Night
- Location: Creekside Education Center
- Registration is not required
- Masks are optional for all attendees regardless of vaccination status.
Friday, September 30, 2022: Deadline for 6th Grade Students to submit Intent to Participate to Science Specialists
January 6, 2023: IUSD Digital Project Submission Deadline
January 23-February 3, 2023: IUSD Virtual Science Fair
OCSEF Resources
OCSEF provides additional support for students interested in participating in a Science & Engineering Fair.
“ASK A SCIENTIST / ENGINEER” PROGRAM
OCSEF brings back this very successful program for students to meet with scientists and engineers on Zoom and get answers to questions about their science/engineering/ math/software projects.
Designed for students (Grades 6-12):
- with prior science/engineering project experience who want to get a head start on their project and have specific questions about refining their topic, experimental design, conducting tests or observations, setting up data tables, and analyzing data.
- or students with no prior science/engineering project experience who attended the workshop on "How to Pick a Science/Engineering Project Topic" and have follow-up questions on selecting a question to investigate.
Students may sign up for one or all of the following dates.
- July 23, 2022
- August 6, 2022
- August 20, 2022
- September 10, 2022
All programs on Zoom. Saturday afternoon from 4 to 5 pm. FREE!
Click on the link to register: ASK A SCIENTIST/ENGINEER REGISTRATION LINK
Important reminder for both OCSEF Summer Programs: Do not sign up with a school or district email address. We may not be able to communicate with you. Sign up for a free Gmail account or register with a personal email account.
