On March 1, 2025, the Tulare County Office of Education will host the eighth annual STEAM Expo. TCOE values meaningful, relevant educational opportunities that prepare students for college, career, and life. This event is designed to engage students and families in learning about educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The STEAM Expo provides students with fun, engaging activities to build knowledge about STEAM, including the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair, Robotics Activities & Exhibition, Hands-On Art Activities and MakerSpace. Participants, coaches, and the public can visit vendor and exhibitor booth and attend a free planetarium show during the STEAM Expo.

This event is open to the public in an “open house” type of format. 

Event Breakdown

Science & Engineering Fair Information

The Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair (TCSEF) is held as part of the STEAM Expo. Participating projects will be put on display to recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements in science and engineering. Science experts representing a wide variety of public and private sectors are invited to judge the projects.

The outcomes for the TCSEF are to: 

• Motivate and develop the interests of ALL students in STEM fields, 
• Recognize the achievements and efforts of students in STEM, 
• Encourage independent and/or group research and development, and 
• Identify exemplary projects that will advance to the California State Science and Engineering Fair. 

Students in grades 3-12 may enter the TCSEF. Projects may enter the TCSEF in one of two divisions: Competitive and Non-Competitive. All projects need to adhere to the scientific method or engineering design process. Project topics will address one of the following categories: 

• Life Sciences 
• Earth and Space Sciences 
• Physical Science: Chemistry 
• Physical Science: Physics 
• Engineering and Mathematics 
• Behavioral and Social Sciences 

The final category placement of each project will be determined by TCOE. 

Competitive Project Information: 

• Individuals and groups of 2-3 may enter projects. 
• All who develop the project have the opportunity to be interviewed by judges the day of the event. (Interviews are not mandatory, but it is recommended.) 
• All projects will be recognized with a participation ribbon. 
• Each category will have first, second, and third places awarded. 
• Judges will select the top 6 TCSEF projects that will advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair. 

Non-Competitive Project Information:

• Individual students, groups of students, and families of students in grades 3-12 may enter a project in the Non-Competitive division.
• Non-Competitive projects are an opportunity for newcomers to the Science and Engineering Fair process to become familiar with the event.
• Non-competitive projects will be recognized with a participation ribbon.
• Non-competitive projects are not eligible to advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair. 

Each project will require a $10 entry fee.

Robotics/Coding Activities

Robots and artificial intelligence touch nearly every aspect of our lives. This technology is guided by code. Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities to code robots in order to solve challenges.

The outcomes for Robotics/Coding Activities are to: 

• Introduce students to coding
• Explore potential career opportunities
• Familiarize students with the purpose of robotics in everyday life
• Identify the differences between robots and machines
• Identify the main components of robots
• Introduce students to building and programming robots

Students may engage in robotics/coding activities on the day of the event. 

Creativity Place

We're putting the A in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART, and Math) in the Creativity Place. In this area, students will be able to discover fun and engaging ways to apply STEM concepts through the Arts.

The outcomes for the Creativity Place are to: 

• Encourage creative thinking and problem solving
• Showcase hands-on explorations of STEAM connections
• Explore the arts and the Studio Habits of Mind

Students will be able to participate in the Creativity Place an “Open House” type of format. Materials for creating will be provided.

MakerSpace

There is a revolution going on right now. Students have become more and more interested in building things and making them work. 

The outcomes for the Makerspace are to: 

• Spark students’ interest in creative and innovative ways of thinking and doing, 
• Explore the tools needed to construct innovations, and 
• Develop students’ awareness that they are producers by engaging in the Engineering Design Process. 

Students will be able to participate in the Makerspace in an “Open House” type of format. Materials for tinkering and creating will be provided.

Regional Event Details
Supporting a Regional Hub of Excellence

March 1, 2025
Tulare County Office of Education Conference Center
6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Event Flyer

2025 TCSEF Bulletin

Event Contacts:

Paula Terrill
Student Event Coordinator - Science Fair
(559) 651-0565

Juliana Davidian
Student Event Coordinator - Expo
(559) 651-3003

Jared Marr
Staff Development & Curriculum Specialist - STEM

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