Professionals in the sciences are needed to volunteer as judges for the 55th annual Ventura County Science Fair, March 24 to 26 at Seaside Park in Ventura.

Nearly 1,000 students in grades six through 12 from throughout Ventura County will enter their projects in the fair, sponsored by the Ventura County Office of Education.

This year's theme is "Today's Dream Is Tomorrow's Science."

The judging will be held on March 25, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and orientation.

Lunch will also be provided. The activities will end at about 5 p.m.

Judges are needed in the following categories: animal sciences, behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, medicine and health sciences, microbiology, plant sciences, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary science, engineering/ electrical and mechanical, engineering/materials and bioengineering, energy and transportation, environmental sciences and management, mathematical sciences, and physics and astronomy.

Students with the top projects qualify to enter the California State Science Fair in Los Angeles on May 18 and 19.

Judges' application forms are available by calling coordinator John Tarkany at (805) 388-4316 or visiting www.vcoe.org/sc.