The Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair provides a yearly opportunity for middle and high school students to show off their science and engineering investigative skills and creativity to compete for medals, special awards, and scholarships. The top performing students will earn a trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Students compete in either the junior level (grades 6-8) or the senior level (grades 9-12) and can choose from the following research topics:
Junior Categories:
Animal Biology, Animal Physiology, Behavioral Social Science-Human, Behavioral Social Science-Non-Human, Biochemistry & Molecular Chemistry, Chemistry - Applied, Chemistry - General, Earth/Space Science, Ecology, Engineering Applications, Engineering Research, Environmental Management, Materials Science, Mathematical/Computer Science, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physics-Aerodynamics & Hydrodynamics, Physics - Electricity & Magnetism, Physics - General, Plant Biology & Physiology, and Product Science.
Senior Categories:
Animal Biology, Animal Physiology, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Biochemistry & Molecular Chemistry, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Ecology, Engineering Applications, Engineering Research, Environmental Management, Mathematical/Computer Science, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physics, Plant Biology, and Physiology.
Location(s)
- Shrine Expo Hall, Los Angeles, California
Schedule
- Annually in late March
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to Grade 6-12 students attending LA County Public, Charter or Private Schools or are home-schooled.
- Must compete in a local school or district science fair in order to qualify for regional competition OR be sponsored/mentored by a research institution
- No more than three people per team
- Projects MUST be pre-screened by the teacher
- All projects need to have an Intent to Participate Google Form submitted. This form will help students determine if a project requires pre-approval.
- Projects involving Human Participants, Vertebrate and Higher Functioning Invertebrate Animals, Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA), or Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, and Devices (HCAD) must have LACSEF online pre-approval
- Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws
- Work of the entrant and work of others is clearly distinguished
Deadline
- February
Application or Entry Requirements
- Schools and students must register themselves and their projects online, including abstracts.
- Projects involving human subjects, vertebrates, tissues/cell lines, microbes and/or hazardous materials or procedures required pre-approval from the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) prior to registration.
Notifications of Decisions
- Proposed projects requiring SRC pre-approval must be submitted by mid October.
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair (LACSEF) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that aims to promote science education in Los Angeles County and to encourage all students to pursue their interests in the respective fields of science. Supported by educational institutions, government agencies, and corporate sponsors, the organization works tirelessly to provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on scientific inquiry, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a passion for discovery through year-round outreach initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs.
