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Expo for Young Scientists is an Exposition, or science fair, where learners have the opportunity to place their research projects on show.
Projects for Expo must have original work done by participant e.g. a survey of more than a 100 people or experimental work.
Click on the links below if you are needing guidance and advice for your projects
http://www.freesciencefairproject.com/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2295516_choose-winning-life-science-fair.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2295515_choose-winning-earth-science-fair.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2295514_choose-winning-astronomy-science-fair.html
http://www.education.com/topic/great-science-fair-project-ideas/
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TYPES OF PROJECTS
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EXAMPLES
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1. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
An investigation undertaken to test a scientific hypothesis using experiments. Experimental variables, if identified, are controlled to some extent.
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To investigate the influence of different fertilizers on the growth of wheat.
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2. INNOVATION / INVENTION
The development and evaluation of innovative devices, models, techniques or approaches in technology, engineering, computers (hardware/ software). Focus on innovative ideas and inventions, rather than applied technology in a systematic manner.
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To design and build an electronic lock and key
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3. RESEARCH/ STUDY
Collection and analysis of existing data to reveal evidence of a fact or a situation of scientific interest. It could include a study of cause and effect relationships or theoretical investigations of scientific data.
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To research the effectiveness of different anti-retroviral drugs.
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10 STEPS TO A GOOD SCIENTIFIC PROJECT
STEP 1: Choosing a topic
The topic for your project should be something that you are interested in and that you want to learn more about. You may think of a good topic straight away just by looking at the list of Expo categories or you may need to look for ideas for your topic. You can get ideas for projects from:
• Newspaper and magazine articles
• The internet
• Television programmes
• Your own previous Expo project, which you can add to, but not repeated (a continuation form must be submitted and a copy will be needed for judging)
• Practical problems from your community
Your idea for a project should be an original one. This means that it should be your own idea and not somebody else's idea. Do not repeat an experiment from the school syllabus or choose a problem for which people already know the answer. For example, "Determining the specific heat capacity of iron" is not an original topic for your Expo project. The method to follow is well known from school textbooks and you can easily look up the answer.
The best Expo projects are not always complicated, but they are imaginative and well carried out. A good project is often:
• A clever solution to a problem;
• A new idea for a piece of apparatus; or
• A study or survey that no-one has done before.
Be original, but DO NOT choose a project that:
• Could be dangerous to yourself or others;
• Needs experiments on live animals; or
• Involves collecting plants or animals that are protected by Nature Conservation laws.
Ask your teacher for advice if you are not sure whether your topic will make a suitable Expo project.
STEP 2: Project description
Describe your topic in short sentences or as a question and then state a hypothesis (what you think the answer is going to be).
STEP 3A: Collect background information
• Use books, internet, for your project and research which must be summarize for your introduction.
STEP 3B: Generate data
• Do experiments
• Interview people who are knowledgeable about your topic
• Do surveys or send out questionnaires – a minimum of 100 people
• Keep dated notes in a journal (e.g. file, diary or scrap book).
STEP 4: Evaluate your progress
Check if you have sufficient information, to prove your hypothesis. (If you unsure ask your educator). If not go back to step 3B.
STEP 5: Working Model (if applicable)
Make a model or apparatus to illustrate the solving of your problem. Use what is at hand, for example, materials from home.
STEP 6A: Analyse results
• Generate graphs from your tables
• Add photos and
• File a blank copy of your questionnaire, survey in your file/journal
STEP 6B: Analyse results
• Interpret the data or make comparisons,
• Look at trends and patterns
• In your discussion note limitations and errors.
STEP 7: Conclusion
Write down your conclusion. Can your hypothesis be accepted of must it be rejected? It must answer the research question.
STEP 8: Evaluate the whole project
• Review
• Revise
• Redo
STEP 9: Write a report
• Hypothesis: clearly stated
• Introduction: including information collected and a short description of your project
• Method: numbered, logical, concise, written in the third person
• Results: use tables and graphs
• Analysis and discussion of your results
• Conclusion: link up with your aim and your results
• Errors and modifications
• Bibliography / References (with a list of books, magazine articles or internet sites where you got important information)
• Acknowledgements: list all of the people who helped you and mention how each person helped you. For example, someone might have lent you a piece of equipment, taken photographs for your poster or given you some important advice.
• Abstract/Summary FORM - compulsory for Regional Expo and National Finals (maximum of 250 words on one page)
• Antiplagiarism FORM
STEP 10: Showing your work
• Your presentation must include the following:
• Poster
• Project data book
• Report
• Display
• Working model on table (if applicable)
• Your presentation must be presented logically and eye-catching.
Your exhibit shows visitors to the Expo what your project is about. Your exhibit is a display of your work. An exhibit is usually made up of a poster together with any special apparatus you used. Your display may include a working model you constructed as part of the project. Keep the information on your display short, and make it easy to understand and interesting. People who know nothing about your topic /file / diary and journal should understand what you did, just by looking at your exhibit. Your report is also a part of your exhibit, so that people can read more about your project.
Each exhibit at Expo is given a space of maximum 1.5m table length. There is also a space behind the table to pin up a poster. The Expo in your region may allow you a little more or a little less display space. Your teacher will check with the organisers first. Display space is often limited. If you use extra space, then others will have too little. Look at the drawing below to see how to make the most of the space you are given.
POSTER (It must be, a summary of your project)
Check with your Regional Coordinator if display boards are provided and what is the size and dimensions.
It is compulsory to use the display boards provided at National Finals - size and dimensions of the display board - height 1m; left side 50cm; middle 1.5m and right side 50cm.
Look at the drawing below to see how to make the most of the space you are given.
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Left Side of your poster
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Centre of your poster
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Right Side of your poster
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1. Problem
2. Hypothesis
3. Background information
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4. Large heading (Font size 150)
5. Name
6. Grade
7. Title (same as submitted on entry to
Regional and National Finals)
8. Method
9. Results
10. Graphs
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7. Interpretation
8. Conclusions
9. Acknowledgements / Bibliography / References
(if space on poster and/or in report)
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Your poster is the most important part of your exhibit. Your poster should be easy to read and understand. It should explain what you did, how you did it and what you found out. Make your poster eye-catching and interesting. You want visitors at Expo to stop and read about what you did.
Summarised information must be laid out in a logical order. Anyone who wants more information can read your report. (Your report is very important)
INTERVIEW:
Please take note of the following points:
• Introduce yourself by name and do not chew gum
• Know your topic
• Be enthusiastic
• Speak clearly and with confidence
• Use appropriate language
• Listen to the judge's questions
• Don't read off notes or recite a prepared speech
ENTERING A SCIENCE EXPO
A project must be entered into a Regional Expo, at which projects will be selected for participation at Expo National Finals ( Grade 5 to 12 only)
N.B. NOT ONLY gold medal winners at regional level will be selected to participate at Expo National Finals.
Useful points to remember:
• Bring your own drawing pins, staples, Prestik, Velcro, masking tape or whatever else you need to put up your display
• Bring your own extension cord if you have a model or apparatus that needs 220 volt electricity to work
• Bring a plastic sheet to put on the floor if your display has chemicals or liquids, especially dyes. The plastic sheet will protect the tiles or carpet
• If the exhibit is meant to work - ensure that it does work!
• Do not include any live animals, insects, spiders, fish with your display. Photos and video clips may be shown.
• Do not burn any substances or use open flames as part of your exhibit
• Do not leave valuable items on your display. The organisers will try to make sure that things are safe at Expo, but will not be responsible for any losses
• Valuables such as laptop computers should preferably be taken home each evening of the competition for safe-keeping.
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