Hello Memorial families! Below are some Q&A about the Knowledge Expo that should clear up any questions you might have. Please email ecutillo@howell.k12.nj.us or jstenard@howell.k12.nj.us if you have any questions about the Knowledge Expo or any information on this site.
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Q: What is this project?
A: The Knowledge Expo is an even to showcase an independent research project students will work on during the school year.
Q: How did the students get involved with this?
A: The project was presented to all students in grades 3-5 as an option for anyone who likes to learn and wants to become an "expert'" on a topic. Any student who is interested was encouraged to sign up!
Q: Why are you having an Expo?
A: Research shows that students learn best when they choose what they are learning about. We invited students to try and find their passion- the one thing they are most interested in- and find an area where they could learn more to become true experts on the subject area. The students have been working so hard that we would like them to share what they've learned with their peers and teachers.
Q: What does this have to do with the Podcast?
A: You may have heard our fifth graders are starting a school podcast. Students who are participating in the Knowledge Expo have the chance to be interviewed on the podcast about their topic (their passion). If your child is interested in the podcast, they can potentially be interviewed either on a full episode or during the expo. You will see a permission slip coming home when your child is interviewed so we can publish with permission.
Q: Should they be working on this at home?
A: Maybe! It depends on the interest level of the child and the amount of extras they want to add into their project. The minimum amount required can definitely be done in school. They can research in school, but some will have more time than others and make more progress because of this. Students should be researching until about April, at which point they should start planning and creating their project. The project can be done at home or school (or both!).
Q: What is the actual project? What do they have to do?
A: Students have the choice to present however they would like. Below there is a graphic with some ideas and options. We ask the students create at least part of their project digitally so they can work on it during school, but they may want to do a poster or something else at home.
Q: My child wants to bring something in for their project. Is this ok?
A: Yes! I have encouraged students to bring items in as long as they are not breakable or valuable. An example would be if a student is doing their project on wolves and they had stuffed wolves, wolf figurines, wolf books, and a wolf hat- bring it in! There will be space on a table for them to put their project out and any additional items that they bring in. If it's something very expensive or has sentimental value, I would ask them to leave it home.
Please note, no food or live animals will be allowed in the school for the Knowledge Expo. Thanks for understanding!
Q: What will the expo be like?
A: You can watch this video from a past Knowledge Expo to see an example. This was district-wide and at nighttime, and the expectations were slightly different, but the idea is the same.
The Knowledge Expo will be held on May 30, 2025. Parents/families are invited to attend in the morning, any time between 10 and 11AM. It is not a formal presentation, rather you will walk around and visit students to talk about their projects and topics.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Please do not hesitate to reach out! Email is the best but I can also be reached via phone, my extension at Memorial is 2162. You can also check out the student tab of this website for some more guidance and ideas about the project and the Knowledge Expo.
This graphic is a starting point for student project ideas. Their project is not at all limited to this choice board- any project can be created, please ask if you have questions about their choice.
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