Professionals in the sciences are needed to volunteer as judges for the 2010 Ventura County Science Fair, set for April 13 to 15 at Seaside Park/ Fairgrounds in Ventura.

Close to 1,000 students from throughout Ventura County in grades six through 12 will enter their projects in the 56th annual fair, sponsored by the Ventura County Office of Education.

This year’s fair theme is “Science for Change.”

The judging portion of the fair will be on April 14, beginning at 8 a.m., with a continental breakfast and orientation. Lunch also will be provided, and the day’s activities will end at approximately 4 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, 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 will qualify to enter the California State Science Fair in Los Angeles, May 17 to 18.

Judges’ application forms are available at www.vcoe.org/sc or call coordinator John Tarkany at (805) 437-1501.