STEM EXPO or Science Fair projects fall into three distinct types:

1. Scientific Inquiry is creating and designing an experiment to find answers to a problem or question.  Results of the experiment are analyzed to form a conclusion and then shared with others.  

2. Engineering Design (Including Technology) is creating a prototype to meet a need or solve a problem.  Prototypes are tested, analyzed, and/or redesigned and then shared with others.

3. Meta Analysis is the process of drawing conclusions from a larger body of research.   This type of project is recommended for High School students only. These projects are immensely helpful to understand the global effects of a particular finding rather than depending on the results of a single, isolated study in a particular region. Students will need to gather and read a minimum of 10 scientific research articles and be able to complete some statistical analysis.  

The STEM EXPO provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for science, technology, engineering and math. Students are also provided with the opportunity to showcase their hard work as they take pride in presenting their projects to their community.

• Click Here  (2:40 min) 2020 STEM EXPO at Ellet CLC

• Click Here  (8:39 min) 2020 STEM EXPO at Ellet CLC "The Heart of it ALL"

Due to changes made at the district and state levels, the STEM EXPO, will be a combination of digital and in-person opportunities. Students will submit a video using Google Slide to present their project.  Those attending the APS STEM EXPO will be interviewed in-person by group of judges from engineering and science society professionals, universities, and community leaders.  These resource professionals could serve as future career/college contacts. These organizations provide tremendous funding support and financial awards to students whose projects surpassed the state criteria and align with their organization’s goals.  Therefore, students participating in the APS and District 5 Science Day, will need a trifold of their project.  This site has the templates for all requirements.

Projects are judged based on state criteria. Usually, projects receiving a "Superior" rating will have an opportunity to move to the next level of competition, the Western Reserve District 5 Science Day (WRD5).  From there, depending on their ranking, participants  can progress to the state or even national Science Days.  Due to COVID-19, this year all projects will have an opportunity to move to the virtual WRD5.  

APS students in grades 3-12 may do a STEM EXPO project and participate in the APS STEM EXPO.  We do not discourage younger students (below 3rd grade) from participating; however, only students in grades 5-12 may advance beyond the district level. 

There are three types of STEM EXPO projects.  For each type of project there are at least 6 - 9 steps to complete the project.  In the real world of science and engineering, these steps are not as defined as they are here.  They may not even be in the sequence we have listed.  However, to ensure that students do not miss any of the key step in scientific inquiry, engineering design, or meta-analysis, we have listed them for students.  

• Scientific Inquiry projects focus on the scientific method used in conducting an experiment. 

• Engineering Design (Including Technology) projects focus on the design process used in creating a prototype.

• Meta-Analysis (Statistical) Project Steps, Google Document  (Reserved for High School Students)

Regardless of the project type, all projects are considered scientific research and will have the following items in common:

• A logbook to keep a record of their research process and data

• Background research on the subject of their research

• Understanding of ethics and topics that require ethical consideration 

• An approved research plan

• Sharing their findings through a Quad Board "Poster" Google Slide presentation and a research paper (grades 5-12)

Students should start their projects as soon as possible.  Remember, no matter what type of project students choose, they will need time to do background research, complete a research plan, implement the plan, gather data, and formulate a conclusion. This takes several weeks to complete. Students will also be required to share their findings in the forms of a research paper and Quad Board Google Slide presentation.  

The deadline to participate in the APS STEM EXPO is to register on Dec 15 to be eligible for District and State Competitions.   

This Google Site houses the resources families and students need as they go through the STEM EXPO process. This site has divided the process into three phases. By the end of Phase Three, your student will have a completed a STEM EXPO project and can continue on to the APS STEM EXPO. The "Participating in the EXPO" page will walk you and your student through registering for our APS STEM EXPO. 

Take some time to review the one pager below.  It will give you the big picture of each phase of the process. 

• The Process (Google Document)

Begin your journey by clicking on "Phase One" at the top of the website.

Yes!  Our APS EXPO is in person!  January 27, 2024, at Ellet CLC. Students will receive medals based on ratings.  Details are still being worked out.  Stay Tuned!

The information found on this web site was taken and modified from our Guided STEM EXPO Journals.

• Grades 3-8 Complete Journal

• High School Complete Journal

• Meta- Analysis Guided Journal (Under Construction)