This year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education is moving from a traditional science fair model to a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) EXPO in order to advance equitable access to inquiry-based learning.

The purpose of the Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo is to...

• Promote the STEAM identities of ALL students

• Integrate culturally relevant & real-world problem-solving

• Engage students in collaborating, communicating and taking action

• Highlight critical thinking and creativity

• Connect students, teachers, industry & community partners

• Foster interest in STEAM-centered careers

• Support implementation of the California State Standards

• More than just a Science Fair, the STEAM Expo offers a place for students to exhibit and get feedback on their projects, alongside engaging activities for the whole family.

The STEAM Expo enables students to explore their interests and talents by offering different project types and categories from which students can choose, many of which are directly tied to categories represented in California Science and engineering Fair (CSEF), the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Invention Convention. Students have the option to compete with their project and continue on to state and international competitions, or to showcase their project. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their projects with judges and the community to receive feedback on how they can improve their projects. Collaborative groups of up to three (3) students are ENCOURAGED to work on projects together for competition, and larger groups are permitted in the showcase.