BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The 2026 Kern County Science Fair was held at the Dignity Health Convention Center as hundreds of local students showcased their projects and passions.
“I am really excited about having all the students come out today after spending so much time working on their projects,” said Michelle Roy, the Science Coordinator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
More than 700 students and 600 projects filled the convention center with buzz and curiosity.
“Just excited to share the thing I’ve been so passionate about for so long now, I love seeing all the projects and it’s really great to see Bakersfield show out,” said Eric Nahama, a high school student.
Winners from each category at the middle school and high school level will earn a spot in state competition.
“I’m hoping to win and if I don’t win that’s fine I can always just try next time,” said Ariel Robles, a student form Del Vista Math & Science Academy.
A similar sentiment across the floor with most students happy to be able to share their work.
“I’m just excited to be here, I feel like this is a great opportunity for my school and for my district, that they’ve chosen to send me here,” said Jahari O’Neal, a McKee Middle School 8th grader.
As for the topics of each poster, they varied just a little bit.
“I redesigned a more efficient and effective helical tube heat exchanger in a dilution refrigerator,” said Nahama.
But maybe helical tubes and dilution refrigerators aren’t really your thing? Projects touched on many topics.
New materials, old physics – the science behind how your winter jacket keeps you warm
“I play golf and I wanted to do a project on tee height, so my project is called ‘What’s the Tee?’” said Elanor Bazemore, a Highgate Elementary Student.
No matter the scale, each project taught students important aspects of experimentation.
“Science can be such a trial and error issue, in that not all experiments need to work to be valid science,” said Madelyn Evans, a Ridgeview High School student.
Voting is being finalized by a group of more than 200 volunteer judges
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