On Saturday, Feb. 10, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School (SJND) will welcome approximately 180 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students from 28 participating schools to compete in the Ninth Annual Diocese of Oakland Science Fair. The annual event, which began in 2010, continues to thrive thanks to the generous contribution of a SJND alumnus Rick Fischer, class of ’61, a senior partner and attorney at Morrison & Foerster law firm in Washington, D.C.

The Diocese of Oakland Science Fair allows students to exhibit their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills by submitting projects in the following categories: 

• Behavioral and social sciences
• Biological sciences
• Environmental sciences
• Physical sciences and technology
• Engineering and mathematical sciences. 

Both finalists and grand champions from the event are eligible to continue on to the next level of competition at one of three county science fairs: Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair, Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair and Golden Gate STEM fair. Students who receive acknowledgement at the county  level may then continue on to compete at the state level.

As a leader in science education, SJND is fortunate to have STEM professionals from the SJND alumni network return to judge the student projects, provide feedback and share knowledge and expertise in a variety of fields. 

Good luck to all the local contestants.