After months of toiling over hypotheses, tables, charts and graphs, about 800 young scientists will go before a panel of judges this week at the Ventura County Science Fair.

The competition, which includes public and private school students in grades 6-12, covers various disciplines, including biotechnology, earth sciences and astronomy.

Science fair coordinator John Tarkany said this year's theme, "Exploring the Unknown," encompasses the spirit of the 53rd annual academic event.

"A lot of the kids create their projects in the subject that interests them, but they might not even realize that what they are doing is using the scientific methods until it is put into context," Tarkany said. "They also might learn that they can pursue science as a career."

Students will set up their projects from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. Judges will look over the projects the next day and have an opportunity to interview all of the students.

The public can check out the projects from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. An awards ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. About 50 of the winners will advance to the State Science Fair on May 21-22 at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

The volunteer judges include about 275 science, engineering and industry professionals from throughout the county, Tarkany said.

Interacting with professionals in the field is invaluable for the students, he said. During the interviews, judges ask students about their projects, their scientific theories and methods of research.

"I would advise the kids to just answer honestly and talk openly," Tarkany said. "Talk about what prompted you to do the experiment and let your enthusiasm show."

Tarkany said anxious parents have been calling his office. He has advice for them, too.

"Take a deep breath and just enjoy the ocean air," he said. "Relax."

Woody Maxwell, a Ventura High School chemistry teacher, said about 125 chemistry students from his school have entered projects this year. The competitors have some interesting projects, including a solar furnace that melts steel, he said.

"Sometimes the student who's not necessarily the 'A' student really ends up doing amazing projects," Maxwell said.

While judges interview on Wednesday, students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive science career expo. More than 60 professionals from science-based organizations and local businesses will be on hand to answer questions about their jobs.

"Students can talk to them, and they can see they don't have to leave the county to have a career," Tarkany said.