Science Fair

Get EXCITED FOR . . .

The Westlake Science & Engineering Fair

REGISTER HERE!

AFTER REGISTERING PICK UP A BOARD AFTER-SCHOOL ON DEC 18th, JAN 15th OR FEB 11th

EXPERIMENT WORKBOOK
DOWNLOAD

A step-by-step guide for students completing a project that involves setting up and running an experiment.

ENGINEERING WORKBOOK
DOWNLOAD

A step-by-step guide for students completing a project that works on designing a solution to a real-world problem

The Westlake Science & Engineering Fair gives Westlake students an opportunity to learn more about a topic they are interested in, gain valuable skills on the scientific process, develop creativity, organizational, critical thinking skills, and so much more!

Pick up a SCIENCE FAIR WORKBOOK from the office or download using the links above. The guides provide step-by-step instructions and pacing to keep you on track for project completion.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? ALL Westlake students!

WHO SUPERVISES? This is an at-home project supervised by a mentor. Each student needs a mentor to help them through the organizational components of the project. Mentors can be family or another trusted adult. Mentors are an essential part of the science fair project and work as a guide from start to end.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need at least 40 volunteers for the Science Fair to be successful! You can volunteer as a judge or help with day of activities & organization. It's fun, easy and a great way to help encourage kids in science. No science knowledge needed, coffee and snacks provided.
Follow the button below to sign-up. THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

IMPORTANT DATES

Mark your Calendar!

Now!	Get started! Brainstorm ideas & find a mentor. Need support? Download a science fair guide for step-by-step instructions & helpful pacing. Free notebooks available in the office.
Dec.8 - Feb.10	Registration Window (Register above!)
Dec 18th Jan 15th Feb 11th	Pick up your poster in the MUR after school
Wed., Feb 25th	Set up your Project in the MUR after school (12:25-3pm)
Thurs., Feb. 26th	WESTLAKE SCIENCE FAIR 8am-12pm Judging & Presentations 5:30-7:30pm Open to Families
Sat, March 28th	County Science Fair & STEAM Expo

RULES & REGULATIONS

Read before you finalize your plan:

Special project approval is required BEFORE STARTING, if you are studying people, vertebrates (animals with bones), handling human or animal tissues or fluids, microorganisms, rDNA, chemicals (cleaning agents, solvents, organic chemicals) hazardous equipment (UV light, rockets), or controlled substances (anything that the student cannot legally purchase). Projects with harmful fungi (mold) or bacteria must be performed in a lab setting.

MENTORS: Email westlake.sciencefair(@)gmail.com with the potentially unsafe category from the above list and provide a short explanation of how you, as the Mentor, will provide a safe experience for your student and/or others while conducting this experiment.
NOTE: Projects that include mold will not qualify for the county science fair

RESOURCES

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS

PROJECT EXAMPLES

Engineering Project (.pdf)

Have helpful resources to share? Email westlake.sciencefair (@)gmail.com

COUNTY FAIR & STEAM EXPO

The Santa Cruz County Science Fair and STEAM Expo
March 28th, 2026 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

All Projects that receive Exceptional Project Award are recommended to go to the County STEAM Expo

Didn't receive an award? There is still time to improve your project and register for the county fair.
Use the judges checklist to make the necessary improvements.

Register your child's project for the STEAM Expo by March 2nd, 2026

Step by step
Registration Info Here
For the STEAM EXPO

Questions?
Contact Science Fair Coordinators Alex Ponik, Cara Keene, Jack Lee, Anne Sizemore, Ruth Grossman, and Helen Taylor
at westlake.sciencefair(@)gmail.com.