CONTEST. The California State Science Fair is the final science fair of the academic year for students throughout the State of California in grades 7 - 12, serving California's future scientists since 1952. It is hosted by the newly opened California Science Center. The 47th annual California State Science Fair was held on May 18-19, 1998. This year 918 participants from 341 schools throughout the State presented 807 different projects to 300 professional scientists and engineers while in competition for $30,000 in awards. The 48th annual California State Science Fair is tentatively scheduled for May 24-25, 1999.