By: Katherine R.Year: 2023School: Sage HillGrade: 11Science Teacher: Rena Dear In a world hungry for sustainable energy solutions, Katherine’s science project takes a remarkable leap towards harnessing the untapped potential of wave energy. Her project focuses on the creation of topologically optimized wave energy harvesters, employing cutting-edge simulations, including a fluid particle simulator, and innovative compliant mechanisms. The …
By: Zoey S.Year: 2023School: The Pegasus SchoolGrade: 8Science Teacher: Jullie Warren Zoey, a determined student, has embarked on a fascinating science project that delves into the effectiveness of antibacterial and normal soaps in combating bacterial growth. With the rise of concerns about the impact of antibacterial soaps, Zoey aims to shed light on whether normal soap can match …
By: Sarina H.Year: 2023School: Kraemer MiddleGrade: 7 Freshwater acidification is a growing concern globally, with significant attention focused on understanding its potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. While extensive research has been conducted on ocean acidification due to rising carbon dioxide levels, less attention has been given to its freshwater counterpart. This science project aims to bridge this …
Congratulations to our star student Maya Gandhi! Earlier this year Maya was announced among the 30 finalists in the 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students. Maya got to be flown to Washington, DC to participate in the Finals Week of the competition and …
By: Meghana W.Year: 2023School: Deerfield ElementaryGrade: 6Science Teacher: Aimee Rosser In today’s world, E. Coli outbreaks have become increasingly common, claiming countless lives. While lab-made antibiotics against E. Coli do exist, they often remain inaccessible to underserved and rural populations due to cost and limited facilities. Additionally, the bacterium has developed increased resistance to antibiotics, emphasizing the need …
By: Eli L.Year: 2023School: Fairmont Private Schools, North Tustin CampusGrade: 8Science Teacher: Joshua Riturban Baseball has always been a sport characterized by excitement, and excitement often stems from offense. However, the game has evolved over the years, and changes in environmental factors can significantly impact batting statistics in Major League Baseball (MLB). This experiment seeks to answer the …
By: Kayla L.Year: 2023School: Pioneer MiddleGrade: 7Science Teacher: Kristin Zebe Global warming has long been a pressing issue, and methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major contributor to this problem. As it traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, finding effective ways to reduce methane emissions is crucial for slowing the rate of global warming. One innovative approach …
The OCSEF is providing an opportunity for students, grades 6-12, where you can ask questions and get guidance from a scientist or engineer about any aspect of your project. The program is called “Ask a Scientist/Engineer.” Register Here These are informal ONE hour events from 4 pm to 5 pm on selected Saturday’s. OCSEF …
By: Audrey K.Year: 2023School: Sierra Vista MiddleGrade: 7Science Teacher: Amanda Durant In recent years, the bee population has faced a serious threat due to the invasion of Murder Hornets, an invasive species that poses a significant risk to bee colonies. To address this pressing issue, a young innovator has developed a groundbreaking science project, BeeHappy, which employs cutting-edge …
OCSEF hosts a series of workshops designed to guide students, grades 6 through 12, to complete a science research or engineering design project and enter it into the 2024 Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. The series is designed for students with no prior science/engineering fair experience and for students who want additional guidance on …