Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I sign up?

A.  We’re glad you asked! Submit an Intent to Participate Form found on the LASD STEM Expo webpage for your respective school.

Q.   Can I work with a friend to complete the project?

A.  Yes, you may work with a partner or in a small group. No more than a total of 3 students* may work on the same project. We suggest that the group not be too large so that everyone can have a role in completing the project. Students can be from different grade levels.

* Students working on a science project for Synopsis, Tech Challenge, or any other competition may submit entries with their original group members without any limitations on number of teammates.

Q. What part of the project do I do myself and in what ways can my parents help me?

A. In this STEM expo, parents are welcomed to take on a project with their child and or a team of students.  The STEM Expo provides a unique opportunity for students to either work on their project by themselves, with student peers, or even with an adult. You just need to make sure you check the right box in the form you submit.

Q. If I'm working by myself and/or with my friends, what part of the project do I do myself and/or with peers and in what ways can my parents help me

A.  You and/or your partners are the Primary Researcher on the project. 

     Some of your role(s) may include:

            * Choosing the topic

            * Planning and conducting the experiments

            * Journaling/recording data

            * Writing descriptions of the experiment and its results

            * Artwork, graphics, images, etc for the display

Your parents have three lesser roles:

 * Lab Assistant - help gather materials, assist with construction, and offer limited technical advice. 

* Consultant – give advice, make suggestions, and explain their reasoning. Remember that consultants do not make decisions.

* Chairman of the Board – may reject projects on the basis of high cost, lack of proper research facilities, etc.

     Q. What types of projects are acceptable?

A.  Any projects that fall under one of the STEM categories can be submitted. The STEM categories includes for this year are Rube Goldberg, Invention, Environmental Innovation, Reverse Engineering, Robotics, and Scientific Inquiry*.

*For the Scientific Inquiry Category, you may do an experiment, a demonstration, or display a collection as done in years past. An experiment will answer a question such as “Is there more bacteria in my hair, in my shoes, or on the kitchen counter?” A demonstration will show how something works such as how a volcano erupts or how the heart pumps blood. A collection will show a display or something related to science that the student has collected such as the seashells of Tonga.

Q. How do I choose a topic for the project?

A.  Explore the STEM Expo Categories to get an understanding of each of the categories. You can choose any topic that is interesting to you or relates to your own experiences. Its origin can be your curiosity, science books or magazines, educational programs, or suggestions from a teacher or parent. There are also many books of science experiments available in the school library and at local bookstores. You can also visit a number of local science museums to get ideas. To insure that you have a good experience and are successful, it is important that the project is one that realistically can be completed in the time available and appropriate for your ability level.

Q. What is the format for the project?

A.  The actual project will consist of a project display and an optional project report. In addition, you will have an opportunity to describe your project to the reviewers at the STEM Expo.

The project display communicates in a clear and concise way what you found out in your scientific investigation. The display must be freestanding, three-panel, hinged board. At some of the school sites, the display board will be available at the school office. Foam core and heavyweight corrugated project display boards are also available at Office Depot, Office Max, Michaels, and other stationary or office supply stores. They usually cost from $4 to $7. Pegboard and plywood also work well as display media. Poster boards are not recommended as they are too floppy and may fall over if bumped slightly.

Refer to each category's requirements for specific details.

Q. When are the projects due? 

A.  The projects will be due on the day before your STEM Expo at your school site.  Please see individual school's "Calendar/Timeline" for specific details.

Q. Are prizes given for the best projects?

A.  This is not a competitive science fair. Every child that completes a project will be given recognition.

Q. Whom can I contact if I have questions?

A. Contact Grace Choi, Instructional Support Teacher for Los Alto School District at gchoi@lasdschools.org.