Humboldt County Office of Education: Doris Niles Humboldt County Science Fair

Humboldt County Doris Niles Science Fair

A week-long event held at Cal Poly Humboldt celebrating excellence in science for students in 4th grade through high school, the Fair has showcased local students’ science projects for over 30 years. More than 300 students in the County take part in this event that honors the memory of Dr. Doris Niles, a beloved, Humboldt County teacher who was instrumental in furthering students’ and teachers’ science educations.

Students may compete individually or in pairs within a variety of categories such as Physical Science, Life Science, or Math and Engineering. A noncompetitive poster session has been added this year to bring citizen science, STEAM, and collaborative and community projects to our fair! Over 100 volunteer judges review displays and conduct student interviews throughout the week, culminating in an awards ceremony where 125 medals and special recognition awards are presented. A highlight is the awarding of the special “Dr. Doris Niles Perpetual Trophy” which is presented to a “young student of promise”.

Several students with exceptional projects are chosen to travel to compete in the State Science Fair in Los Angeles, and have consistently done well.