02/21/2019 -
Close to 500 students are expected to attend the third annual Synopsys-Sonoma County STEAM Showcase on Friday, March 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
In this innovative event, students will showcase their work in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, also called STEAM. All work is centered around one of two themes: Stability and Change; and Unseen Possibilities.
The action-packed showcase is a marked departure from more traditional science events. Students will take turns showing their work, exploring the work of other students, and participating in hands-on science and maker activities. This year, nearly 500 students from 20 public and private schools and 18 school districts are expected to attend. The event has grown significantly since it debuted in 2016 with about 330 students participating.
The shift away from the traditional science fair approach to this new format has allowed for greater participation by students of different ages and learning abilities. This year, students from grades 3-12 are participating. Students from special education classes will participate alongside students from general education classes.
"One of my favorite things about this event is the great diversity of students who attend and the fact that they all get to show what they learned," said Anna Van Dordrecht, SCOE science coordinator and event manager for the STEAM Showcase.
About the Projects
Students participate either as individuals or in groups, creating projects that fit into one of four categories: a performance, a digital display, a 3-D display, or an interactive display. Their work will be reviewed by project evaluators who represent local businesses, nonprofits in the STEAM fields, educators and many others. There will be no winners or trophies—rather, anyone who scores at a certain level on the event rubric will receive a badge celebrating their achievement.
150 projects will be on display. The projects are wide-ranging and attempt to address many pressing problems of our time, from climate change to homelessness. Some examples include:
• A presentation about climate change and what students can do about it
• Wind-driven sculptures
• A dance performance about the evolution of music
• A digital display of an unseen city of the future
• A raft you can grow food on during a flood
• A model for possible homeless shelters
**To ensure student safety, the event is not open to the public. However, members of the media are welcome and encouraged to attend. If planning to attend, please check in at the Volunteer/Chaperone/Media table located at the main entrance of Saralee & Richard’s Barn.
About the Sponsor:
The Synopsys Silicon Valley Science & Technology Outreach Foundation enables and celebrates teachers and students developing science projects at K-12 public schools and private non-profit schools with 501(c)(3) public charity status in California and select schools affiliated with regional offices of Synopsys, Inc.
Participating Schools
Cali Calmecac Language Academy
Calistoga School District
Evergreen Elementary
Guerneville School
Healdsburg Elementary Fitch Mountain Campus
Healdsburg Junior High
Hidden Valley Elementary
Hillcrest Middle School
John B. Riebli Elementary
Monte Rio Elementary
Oak Grove Elementary
Quest Forward Academy
Rincon Valley Middle
Robert L. Stevens Elementary
Roseland University Prep
Strawberry School
The Presentation School
Thomas Page Academy
Twin Hills
