Steps towards an impressive Expo project (applies to Grades 4 to HS)

—First Trimester—

  1. Think of a topic.  The most important criteria here is curiosity- you must be truly curious about the topic so that you will pursue it with passion.
  2. Look for an adviser.  Your science adviser will help focus your topic by checking on its relevance and significance as well as its doability.  The most important questions your adviser will initially ask you will be:
    • Do you have enough time for the topic?
    • Do you have enough money to buy the necessary equipment?
  3. Make a concept paper.  The concept paper is a roadmap that will help you finish and defend your project in good style.  It is important that you discuss with your adviser all the parts of your concept paper.  Download the template below.
  4. Fill-up the waiver form.  Some Expo projects involve the use of hazardous chemicals and procedures.  The waiver is therefor a necessary step to insure your safety as you plumb the secrets of the Universe (well, not quite, but you get the idea).

—Second Trimester—

  1. Acquire necessary equipment.  After your concept paper and waiver have been duly signed, you may now start completing your materials.  Remember that buying should be a last resort.  Discuss with your adviser ways in which you can improvise! (and so save your parents’ money)
  2. Rehearse your protocol.  Go through each step of your methods with your adviser.  Make sure you know what you are doing and why before you actually do anything.  This will save you lots of time and money.
  3. Carry out your project.  Once you’ve thought everything through, then you are now ready to accomplish your nefarious schemes (in a manner of speaking, that is).  Be sure to keep your adviser up to date with the progress of your work.
  4. Submit regular progress reports.  Keeping your adviser posted on your work will make sure that your team continues to do science (and not some weird monkey business!).

—Third Trimester—

  1. Schedule a demo defense.  Presenting your project in front of three or more teachers (some of them you may not even know!) is truly a daunting task.  This is why the rehearsal with your adviser is very important.  Your adviser will transform into the nastiest terror teacher you’ve ever known during this rehearsal or demo defense all for the purpose of training you up for the big event.
  2. Defend your project in the Science Expo 2008.  The last hurdle is the defense itself- where up to 3 judges (teachers from HEdCen as well as visiting teachers from other schools!) will listen to and grade your presentation.  Though some may think that it is the most difficult step of all, it may actually be just a walk in the park provided you did your best through steps 1 to 9.

Important Reminders 

  • Concept paper due on August 29, 2008.
  • Concept paper and the attached waiver must be duly signed by the adviser and your parents.
  • The waiver must be filled up by the adviser (for Grades 4 and 5).  Grades 6 to HS must fill up the waiver on their own (with the appropriate guidance from the adviser of course).

Files for download