This is the webpage to promote Merced College’s 2025 Science Fair!
- Happening May 2, 2025 – 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
- At the Merced College Gym
- Open to all college and high school students, please read the rules below and enter by filling out the form below.
Enter by registering below:
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STEM Category
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded in the STEM category. Any project entered into the fair qualifies for this category. This is separate from other prize categories, including the Computer Science Category.
Computer Science Category
There will also be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in the Computer Science category. This includes any project that involves programming. The prizes in this category are higher than in the general STEM category.
Other Prizes
We will also have drawings for two sets of participants:
- Entering the Fair Prizes: Earn a ticket by entering a project into the fair.
- Coming to the Fair Prizes: Earn a ticket by simply attending the fair.
Judging Rubric
Projects can be traditional science fair experiments or engineering inventions. The judging rubric can be found here:
Judging Rubric
Merced College Science Fair 2025
Official Rules and Guidelines
The Merced College Science Fair is open to all eligible students and aims to celebrate creativity, scientific thinking, and innovation. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety in all aspects of their projects.
General Rules for All Participants
- Academic Integrity
All submissions must be the original work of the participant(s). Plagiarism, falsifying or fabricating data, forgery, or presenting someone else’s work as your own will result in disqualification. Projects must be started and completed during Fall 2024 and/or Spring 2025 semesters (based on an 18-week semester). - One Project per Student
Each student may submit only one project. Projects must reflect no more than 12 months of continuous research and may not include work conducted before August 2024. - Team Projects
Teams may include up to three members. - Project Review and Approvals
Students and their adult sponsors must determine if additional documentation or approvals are needed before conducting research, especially if the project involves:- Human participants
- Vertebrate animals
- Potentially hazardous biological agents
- Environmental Safety
The use or disposal of non-native or invasive species, pathogens, toxic chemicals, or foreign substances is strictly prohibited. Projects must follow all local, state, and federal regulations. International research must comply with local laws. - Adherence to the Law
All projects must comply with local, state, and U.S. federal laws, including obtaining permits when required. International projects must follow the laws of the country where the research took place. - Safety Restrictions
Projects must not include or demonstrate any dangerous components, such as:- Open flames or combustion
- High-frequency noise
- Explosives or pressurized systems
- Unsafe chemical reactions or equipment
- In-Person Presentation Required
All participants must present their project in person at the fair and be ready to demonstrate or explain their work to the judges. Virtual or proxy presentations are not allowed.
Eligibility Categories
High School Student Entry Requirements
- Must be in grades 9–12 (or equivalent)
- Must attend a California high school
- Must not be 20 years old by May 1, 2025
College Student Entry Requirements
- Must be enrolled at a California college or university, or a CAHSI-affiliated institution, during the Spring 2025 semester
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded separately for high school and college participants. More details will be added to the prize section soon.
