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May, 2025 - comprehensive

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Book a field trip, learn about conservation & re-hab efforts

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Congrats to all the student researchers!

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Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair

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Full revision 4/2025

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Judges Recruitment Letter 2025

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Donations to Help Fund our In-person Fair

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Donations to Help Fund our In-person Fair

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Donate through Paypal

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Donate to Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair

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Help support Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair by donating or sharing with your friends.

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Columbia Memorial Space Center Field Trips!!

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Columbia Memorial Space Center Field Trips!!

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In-person field trips are back - sign up now… Nothing else like it in LA

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Journey to THe Space Center!

The Columbia Memorial Space Center offers guided tours for students from pre-school to college levels, while also providing for scouts, groups with disabilities, and seniors.

Space is limited. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space.

Schedule a docent-led tour of the Space Center! Approximately two hours in length, guided tours are appropriate for all ages and include quality exploration time on our two exhibits floors, an interactive STEM activity, and a programming lesson in our Robotics Lab.

Tours are limited to 120 max, 15 min participants per time slot.

Tours are offered Tuesday - Saturday.

For groups of 15 people or more, admission fees are $3 per student and adults (1 free adult admission is offered for every 10 students).

Book your guided tour below!

Voyage to Mars in our interactive space mission simulator! The Challenger LearningCenter (CLC) is not just a field trip - it's a journey of exploration and teamwork.

Limited to group sizes of 16-34 participants per mission.

Participants must be in 5th grade or older.

Missions are offered Tuesday - Friday only.

Available time slots:

A full day of space exploration and inspiration! Groups can experience a guided tour plus the Challenger Learning Center all in one day.

This option is limited to group sizes of 16-68.

Participants must be in 5th grade or older.

This option is offered Tuesday - Friday only.

$3 per participant + $350.00 per mission

Available time slot:

Please email reservations@downeyspacecenter.org to book the CLC and guided tour combo. A reservations specialist will assist you and book on your behalf.

Schedule a Field Trip!

Space is limited! A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your visit date. Your card will not be charged unless there is a cancellation. If so, a CMSC staff member will contact you and confirm your payment options before charging your card.

Walk-ins are highly discouraged.

Would you like to become a volunteer docent and inspire the next generation? Docents must be available for a minimum of 3 hours per week, Tuesday - Friday, between 9am - 2pm. Docents must also pass a background check.

We offer docents ample time to shadow other docents while they train you on topics like robotics, engineering, and Downey's aerospace history. Docents will also have many opportunities to tour with experienced docents until they feel confident and knowledgeable enough to lead students on their own.

Visit our Volunteer page and download a Volunteer Application to begin the process!

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Field Trips - Columbia Memorial Space Center

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The Columbia Memorial Space Center offers guided tours for students from pre-school to college levels, while also providing for scouts, groups with disabilities, and seniors. Space is limited. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space. Schedule a docent-led tour of the Space Center!

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On-line collaboration!

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Open to 100 Educators per Cohort

Build the Change through playful learning

Work with Global Educators

Access resources and Design Challenges

Certifications and digital badges

Join as part of a LEGO® Build the Change community

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LEGO® Build the Change Institutes - Take Action Global

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Build the Change through playful learning Work with Global Educators Access resources and Design Challenges Certifications and digital badges Join as part of a LEGO® Build the Change community

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Courtesy of Anthony Quan, STEM Science Coordinator par execellence

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LACSEF Virtual Office Hours Fall 2024 (1)

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Teacher workshop overview-draft

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Downloadable PDF

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2024-25

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Learning in Local Nature_Oct 2024_PROOF2 (1)

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Our free educator workshops build connections between your classroom curriculum and our museums' collections and exhibitions.

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Absolutely terrific! Please watch!

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The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Frank Gehry's Hidden Masterpiece

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So many opportunities!

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Also for Research/Materials

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Southern CA Assoc of Science Specialists

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Southern CA Assoc of Science Specialists

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SCASS meetings for 2023-24 - very helpful collaboration/updates

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Kick-off (September 14, 2021) Fall Meeting (November 5, 2021) Spring Conference (March 11, 2022) Keynote Part 1 Keynote Part 2 Keynote Part 3 Need Access to more past SCASS…

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Mind-blowing! Sign up now...

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Bring the excitement of deep-sea exploration LIVE to your classroom, science center, museum, aquarium, or community event. Live ship-to-shore interactions with E/V Nautilus allow students to engage in a unique two-way, live dialogue with the educators, scientists, and engineers of the Corps of Exploration. Live interactions are available free to classroom and community events audiences. All live interactions are pre-scheduled to match your teaching schedule.

Ship-to-shore interactions are conducted using Zoom or Google Meet and last 30 minutes with time for an expedition update and audience-led Q&A about careers, discoveries, or the exploration process. Interactions are not broadcast publicly to allow for a more personal connection with our science and engineering team but can include multiple classrooms or virtual logins. Schedule a program in English or in 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi!

Interactions are available daily from May 16 - December 19, 2023

Technical Requirements

Internet connection (with enough bandwidth to load a video without buffering)

Zoom or a Google Chrome browser to run Google Meet

Projector/screen or display plan (for the incoming video from presenters at sea)

Speakers (for incoming audio from presenters)

Microphone (internal to computer or external)

Help share this experience with downloadable ship-to-shore interaction flyers in English or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Nautilus Live Interaction Frequently Asked Questions

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Bring the excitement of deep-sea exploration LIVE to your classroom, science center, museum, aquarium, or community event. Live ship-to-shore interactions with E/V Nautilus allow students to engage in a unique two-way, live dialogue with the educators, scientists, and engineers of the Corps of Exploration. Live interactions are available free to classroom and community events audiences.

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UCLA Science Project "Science at Home" Activities

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UCLA Science Project "Science at Home" Activities

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Framing our Science at Home Explorations

We believe that making sense of the world around us is foundational for science. Sense-making is the mental and physical practices to generate a deep understanding of events or processes in our environment. These science-at-home explorations were created for synchronous and asynchronous learning and were developed with the following principles guiding our thinking:

Focusing on big ideas from your grade level provides students opportunities to deepen their understanding and connect to areas of their interest and community. You may choose to focus on big ideas present in your Instructional Segments rather than each individual Performance Expectation.

In the classroom, students are able to safely and equitably access the same supplies and explorations. The Big Idea might be discovered with different materials and experiences. Embrace diverse learning styles, needs and circumstances.

Science learning requires the active engagement in multiple Science and Engineering Practices (synchronously or asynchronously).

Structure lessons to provide students with choices to explore phenomena. This will encourage students to pursue areas of expertise and interest.

Middle School & High School Explorations

Sustaining an Equitable Online Community for Sensemaking

Science at Home Planning Guide

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Science at Home - UCLA Science Project - UCLA Center X

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We believe that making sense of the world around us is foundational for science. Sense-making is the mental and physical practices to generate a deep understanding of events or processes in our environment.

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PD Events in all areas

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Information session for experienced educators (5+ years teaching) interested in applying to the Principal Leadership Institute.
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Updated for March 2024 - check them out!

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One of the most common questions we get from students and parents is "are there any scholarships for middle school students?"

After all, some students want to start their scholarship search as early as possible and fear that all of the great scholarships are for high school students.

There is some truth to this as the majority of scholarships are for high school, college, and graduate students. However, we have found a number of great scholarships that are open to more students, including middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

Jump ahead to:

Keep on reading to learn more about some of the scholarships that middle school students may be eligible for. If you are looking for more scholarships and advice, you can join the free Scholarships360 newsletter!

Top Middle School Scholarships in 2021

Summary of top scholarships for middle school students

1. Student Loan Hero Smart Money Giveaway

2. $2,000 CollegeXpress Favorite Color Scholarship

3. Paradigm Challenge Scholarship

4. Ocean Awareness Contest

5. Breakthrough Junior Challenge Scholarship

6. Make Me Laugh Scholarship

7. Shout it Out Scholarship

8. Patriot's Pen Essay Scholarship

9. Simple and Sweet Scholarship

10. Young Filmmakers Contest

Expired scholarships

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Top Scholarships for Middle School Students in May 2021 | Scholarships360

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One of the most common questions we get from students and parents is "are there any scholarships for middle school students?" After all, some students want to start their scholarship search as early as possible and fear that all of the great scholarships are for high school students.

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NEW: Student "Intent to Participate" link:

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NEW: Student "Intent to Participate" link:

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Sign in to Google first: ALL STUDENTS need to complete this form

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Museum of Natural History, LA    Citizen Science

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Museum of Natural History, LA    Citizen Science

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Learn research techniques, become a citizen scientist

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Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

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Apply now! Rolling rounds of small grants

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CalRTA Members | Your partners in pension protection

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School Enrollment Fee/Waiver Form 2024-25

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School Enrollment Fee/Waiver Form 2024-25

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Must be submitted along with online school enrollment

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SCHOOL ENROLLMENT & FEE WAIVER FORM 2024 - 2025

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For students to use and upload for judging

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Congratulatory Notes for the LACSEF 2025 Program

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Congratulatory Notes for the LACSEF 2025 Program

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Add a note for your student or school! Instructions in Feb, 2025

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Our booking forms have now open for free field trip reservations between August 21 - December 31, 2023! We can't wait to welcome you and your students to the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum. Book your visit for this fall below:

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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Young Scientists Program

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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Young Scientists Program

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Research | Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - San Pedro, California

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Young Scientists Program The Young Scientists Program (YSP) offers ocean-loving high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for science by conducting hands-on research projects in conjunction with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Aquatic Nursery. Aquarium staff mentor students through scientific investigations on local marine topics with an emphasis on conservation and aquarium science.

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Granada Hills Science Materials Center (GHSMC)

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Granada Hills Science Materials Center (GHSMC)

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Now accepting online and walk-in requests!

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Science / Granada Hills Science Materials Center

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Fantastic fieldtrip site in Downey

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The Girls in STEM (GIS) Club at Columbia Memorial Space Center has been operating since 2015 with the mission of exposing girls ages 8-18 to new experiences and opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

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Inclueds blood, tissue disposal techniques

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Program Benefits and Features

1. Individualized research opportunities with an expert mentor during the academic year.

2. Open to all disciplines of science, engineering and math.

3. Visit professional laboratory facilities and learn about current research from professional scientists.

4. Learn how to conduct research with hands-on experiences.

5. Present findings at the SCAS annual meeting along side college students and professional scientists.

6. Abstracts are published in the SCAS Bulletin.

7. Compete to be a student delegate to the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2024 meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Schedule
SCAS RTP 2023-24 Meeting Dates
Meeting #1: September 30, 2023 - Virtual Meeting (Dr. Kimo Morris, hosts)
Introduction to the SCAS Research Training Program (RTP)
Agenda
Zoom Recorded Meeting

Meeting #2: November 11, 2023 - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (Dr. Juli Passarelli & Dr. Danny Tang, Dr. Kimo Morris, hosts)
How to Write a Scientific Paper & Poster Preparation
Agenda
Tips on Writing A Scientific Paper
Tips on Creating A Scientific Poster

Meeting #3: March 9, 2024 - TBA
Careers in Science, AJAS Experiences (Delegates), and Tours of the host institution
Agenda
AJAS Slideshow

May 4, 2024 SCAS ANNUAL MEETING (Saturday) - Chapman University

AJAS - AAAS NATIONAL MEETING: February 14-18, 2024: American Junior Academy of Science national meeting with AAAS, Denver Colorado .

FUTURE AJAS - AAAS ANNUAL MEETING: February 12-16, 2025: American Junior Academy of Science national meeting with AAAS, TBA

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For Teachers/Parents/Students

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Student & Project Registration Process 2024-25

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Student & Project Registration Process 2024-25

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STUDENT & PROJECT REGISTRATION PROCESS INSTRUCTIONS

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One of the top competitions in the world!

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Regeneron Science Talent Search

Regeneron STS is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students. Started in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, Regeneron STS recognizes and empowers our nation's most promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society's most urgent challenges.

Each year, nearly 2,000 students enter the Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation's most promising future leaders in STEM.

Apply Now

How to Compete:

Important Dates for STS 2024

STS Application Period

June 1 - November 8, 2023

Learn More

Need More Information About Regeneron STS?

Get program updates by e-mail.

Sign up

Congratulations Regeneron STS 2023 Top Winners

Regeneron and Society for Science announced the top ten winners of the Regeneron Science Talent Search, headed by Neel Mougdal, 17, of Saline, Michigan, who won the $250,000 top award.

Heloise Hoffman, Regeneron STS Finalist 2022

"Not only did I gain incredible connections to cutting-edge researchers and the opportunity to meet with some of the most impactful scientists of our time, but I also made lifelong friendships with other like-minded students passionate about their work. Though STS is at its core a competition, nothing about our camaraderie felt competitive because we all felt so motivated by each other's accomplishments and passions! I feel a renewed invigoration to follow my love for research to make a positive impact on the world, specifically in the curing of rare diseases."

From the Society Blog

Have a Question?

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Regeneron Science Talent Search- Society for Science

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Regeneron STS is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students. Started in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, Regeneron STS recognizes and empowers our nation's most promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society's most urgent challenges.

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Revised for 2024-25

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The Pre-approval templates are now FILLABLE!. Download to your device and enter responses in the boxes. Choose “Save” to save your progress. Once complete, get it approved by the adult supervisor/site coordinator BEFORE going online to fill in the form. You can simply copy and paste your responses to boxes in the online form.

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Updated for the 2024-25 Fair

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TEMPLATE  for Experiments Involving Human Participants

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EVERY project involving Human Subjects needs to give this form to participants to fill in, sign and bring to the fair

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Human Informed Consent Form (for distribution) - Revised 8_24.docx

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Updated for the 2024-25 Fair

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TEMPLATE  for Experiments Involving Vertebrates or Higher Functioning Invertebrates

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Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Template

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Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Template

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Updated for the 2024-25 Fair

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TEMPLATE  for Experiments Requiring Use Of Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) 

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Hazardous Chemicals, Materials or Devices Template

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Hazardous Chemicals, Materials or Devices Template

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Updated for the 2024-25 Fair

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TEMPLATE for Experiments Using Hazardous Chemicals, Materials, or Devices (HCAD)

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WHALE TAIL® Grant 2024 - California Grants Portal

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The California Grants Portal (a project of the California State Library) is your spot to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.

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Writing the Introduction, graphic and data analysis, coming to conclusions, Does & Don'ts

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Displays will be 3-D for 2025. Uploading a Digital Display will still be necessary, for judges to preview. See templates.

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Updated this year

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LACSEF Rules-Regulations (ISEF Aligned )-Rev. 2024

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From Ventura COE- TERRIFIC!

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NEW Design!!! Includes Example

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NEW Design!!! Includes Example

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Uses Scenarios to pull out key elements of experimental design - use to scaffold, learn vocabulary

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Uses Scenarios to pull out key elements of experimental design - use to scaffold, learn vocabulary

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Idea for projects, connected to CA Framework

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Specifically for K-5 projects

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Chemical storage and handling information will vary based on the hazards present in the lab. Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) Particularly Hazardous Substances are classified by Cal/OSHA as substances that pose a significant threat to human health and divided into three primary types: Acute Toxicants, Reproductive Toxicants, and Carcinogens.UCLA Policy 907 provides general guidance on how to work safely with chemicals that have been designated as PHS.

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EPA Carcinogen & Reproductive Toxicants Dec-2023

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EPA Carcinogen & Reproductive Toxicants Dec-2023