More Than a Science Fair

Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance first launched its Virtual Science Fair as an extension of Homeschool Teacher Kelsie Woody’s Adventure Academy science class. Kelsie wanted to give students a space to showcase their curiosity in an intentional and supportive setting.

Even from the beginning, the Virtual Science Fair was designed to grow.

“The sky’s the limit,” Kelsie shared. “I still have a vision of growing this into something that extends far beyond our own school, connecting with community leaders and businesses in science and STEM fields so students can branch into internships and real-world experiences.”

At its core, this event is about putting knowledge into action. Students are not just learning concepts from a book or lesson. They are applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance in meaningful ways. The science fair becomes a starting point for deeper learning and real-world skills.

Surprisingly, the true magic of the event is not just in conducting an experiment, but in sharing it with the community.

Students choose how they present their findings. Many submit prerecorded presentations, while others create traditional trifold boards. Kelsie Woody and Community Programs Coordinator Mary Stein wanted to make the event as accessible as possible, so they allowed many different presentation formats. Some students create podcasts or design websites. The focus is that students build their projects independently, because ownership matters.

“We want the learner to have freedom and agency,” Kelsie explained. “Whatever creative method feels right for them, we encourage it.”

Something powerful happens when students teach others what they have learned.

“When a student becomes the teacher,” she said, “the learning deepens. It builds self-efficacy—the belief that they can do hard things.” 

When a student becomes the teacher, the learning deepens. It builds self-efficacy—the belief that they can do hard things.

-Kelsie Woody

The event also encourages students to persevere, build deep understanding, and grow in confidence—skills that reach far beyond science.

Mary agreed. Watching students present was the moment she knew how impactful the event truly was.
“That’s when I saw the magic,” she shared. “Seeing them explain their investigation is the hardest part. But when they do it, they shine.”

Some students return year after year. 

Mary and Kelsie recalled one student who began as a shy kindergartener, nervously presenting his project. Over time, his confidence grew. Now he returns each year dressed in a button-down shirt and tie, delivering his findings like a seasoned scientist.

Experiments rarely work perfectly the first time. Students revise, adjust, and try again. They learn that struggle is part of discovery.

While some may think a virtual format feels limiting, it actually expands opportunity.

The science fair is open to all Sequoia Grove students across Northern California. This means thousands of learners can participate with just a click! Families receive support through a dedicated Google Classroom filled with resources, experiment ideas, and growth mindset tools.

There is also a six-week Science Fair Club where students learn the scientific method together, practice experiments, and build confidence before submitting their final project. Club attendees don’t have to participate in the Science Fair—but many want to—especially after so much practice.

Mary says the Science Fair Club and the virtual event are designed so any student can participate, no matter their age or experience level.

“We offer support that makes it accessible,” Mary explained. “A project can be as simple as a 20-minute experiment in one afternoon.”

Kelsie adds, “The flexibility of this event reflects the heart of homeschooling. Students learn at their own pace, alongside their strongest cheerleaders—their parents—and then share that learning with a larger community.”

The event has also grown to include students from the High School Leadership class. A few years ago, Kelsie invited them to help host this event and introduce the participants. This adds another layer of student ownership and shows leadership in action.

“If we’re teaching students how to organize events and be leaders,” Kelsie said, “we have to give them the opportunity to actually do it.”

If we’re teaching students how to organize events and be leaders we have to give them the opportunity to actually do it.

-Kelsie Woody

Collaboration between virtual programs, clubs, leadership students, and staff continues to strengthen the event year after year.

Beyond science skills, the deeper goal is self-discovery.

“This event is about finding passions,” Mary reflected. “Not just hearing about something, but being about it.”

Whether a student loves biology, history, literature, or engineering, the process of investigating, creating, and presenting builds confidence. Students begin to see themselves as capable learners and critical thinkers who are ready to engage with the world.

For Kelsie, that is the ultimate goal.

“How can we help students become lifelong learners?” she asked. “How can they carry this into their lives?”

The Virtual Science Fair may begin as a small project. For many students, it becomes something much bigger. It is a first step toward leadership, resilience, and discovering what inspires them—and how they can inspire others.