Solano County Office of Education - Science & Engineering Fair (SCSEF)

Science & Engineering Fair (SCSEF)

Three photos of students displaying projects at the science fair.

2027 SOLANO COUNTY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR

Discover, innovate, and inspire! The Solano County Science and Engineering Fair (SCSEF) invites students across Solano County to explore STEM through hands-on projects, share their discoveries, and connect with the community. Please review this page carefully, as the 2027 fair has been updated.

Join us Thursday, March 11, 2027 at McCormack Hall at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo.

Who may enter?

Grades: Students in grades K-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home schools in Solano County.
Team Size: Enter individually or in teams of up to two students.
Inclusive and Accessible: We welcome students of all abilities. Special Education and English Langauge Leaner classrooms are encouraged to participate!
Educators: Interested in entering an entire class with individual or small-group projects around a single topic? Contact Steph Morgado at SMorgado@solanocoe.net for confirmation and support.

Important Dates:

Registration Form Deadline: Friday, February 26, 2027 at 3:00 PM PST
Project Drop-off Deadline: Monday, March 8, 2027 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST
Science Fair (Free Community Activities, Exhibition, Engineering Challenge): Thursday, March 11, 2027 from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM PST
Awards Ceremony: Thursday, March 11, 2027 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PST

Important Information:

Information Packet: Review the requirements to enter and submit a project.
Registration Form: Required registration form.
Engineering Challenge (additional free and fun opportunity).

Choose Your Pathway

Showcase Pathway: A fun, non-competitive track designed for K-12 students to share their creativity, build real-world problem-solving skills, and celebrate their hard work without formal scoring.
Competitive Pathway: A judged track for middle and high school students looking to compete for awards and earn eligibility to advance to the California State Science & Engineering Fair. 3rd to 5th graders may enter, but will not be eligible for the state fair.

DIVISIONS	CATEGORIES
High School (grades 9-12) Middle School (grades 6-8) Elementary School (grades K-5)	Life Science Physical Science Environmental Mathematical/Computational Behavioral/Cognitive Product Testing Prototype Development (non-experimental) Science Showcase (non-experimental)

Registration Form Deadline: Friday, February 26, 2027 at 3:00 PM PST

All forms must be submitted. No late entries will be accepted.
An online parent/guardian waiver is required: English Waiver | Spanish Waiver

Project Submission Deadline: Monday, March 8, 2027, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST

All entrants must bring their projects to McCormack Hall, located at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo.

Science Fair Exhibition: Thursday, March 11, 2027 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony: Thursday, March 11, 2027 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Friends, family, and community members are all welcome to celebrate and recognize our participating students.
Location: McCormack Hall, located at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo.

California Statewide Competition:

Top middle and high school winners in this competition will be eligible to enter the California State Science and Engineering Fair in 2027. If interested in advancing to the California Science and Engineering Fair, to ensure state-level eligibility, please review the categories for grade 6-8 (junior level) and grades 9-12 (senior level).

Information for Teachers/Educators Supporting Students:

For teachers or educators entering students as a class or large group, we’re here to make the process easier! We can help with project brainstorming, timelines, classroom-based fair planning, and managing submissions and waivers. If you need guidance, resources, or logistical support, please reach out to Steph Morgado at SMorgado@SolanoCOE.net.

Science and Engineering Fair Art Grant for Educators:

Solano County teachers may apply to receive art grant funding from the Hewlett Foundation to enhance project displays and encourage artistic design to effectively communicate scientific concepts for the Solano County Science and Engineering Fair. Supplies will be awarded and prioritized in the order of applicants. Requested supply numbers will be compared to the total number of student registration forms submitted. Student registration forms must be completed with the required parent/guardian waivers by February 26, 2027, 3 PM.

Office Hours Virtual Support:

These informal monthly office hours are a flexible, zero-pressure space to ask questions, pitch ideas, clarify guidelines, and collaborate around best practices.

Kick Off: Wednesday, September 23, 3:30-5:00pm (drop-in for all or part of it to learn more)

Click here to see all the session dates and times, and to register.

Support the Solano County Science and Engineering Fair!

The SCSEF thrives thanks to our amazing community! You can help make the fair a success by volunteering to judge projects, hosting STEAM booths, or making a donation to support this inspiring event for Solano County students. Every contribution helps spark curiosity and celebrate student achievement in science and engineering.

1. STEAM Exhibition Booth: Set up a table to share interactive STEAM activiities, showcase scientific research, or promote your college, organization, or program. Participation is completely free. Please fill out the registration form.

2. Judging: Participants' investigate science and engineering projects will be reviewed and judged by representatives from various community partners. If you'd like to volunteer and help be a judge, please fill out the registration form. Note: that judges may not have any participating students in the competition.

3. Donations: Your donation helps fund awards, project materials, STEAM activities, and other resources that make the Solano County Science and Engineering Fair a hands- on learning experience for students. To donate, please contact Steph Morgado at SMorgado@solanocoe.net. Donations may also be made via PayPal by clicking the link on the right side of this webpage.

DONORS - THANK YOU!