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 fourth and 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: Yes! We are doing some research and creating a slideshow to share at school, however students are also required to do another project for the Expo if they want to participate. This project should be done at home- see the bottom of this page for ideas.
Q: What is the actual project? What do they have to do?
A: Students have the choice to present however they would like. Linked here is a document with some ideas, but the students are encouraged to be creative and showcase what they learned in a way that will be fun for them and that they will be proud of! A lot of kids make posters or tri-fold boards because they are a nice visual, but you are not limited to those ideas. Students are also responsible for a digital part of their project- a slideshow- but we are working on this part at school.
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: When is the Knowledge Expo?
It is scheduled for Monday, June 8th. Parents typically visit in the morning, more details will be shared as we get closer to the date.
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.
We will have a date as time goes on, but it is typically held in late May/early June. 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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