Where does the STEM Expo fit in?
Illuminate LASD honors the natural curiosity and creativity of learners. While LASD’S STEM Expo once provided a wonderful opportunity for students to share their STEM investigations, Illuminate LASD extends that invitation into something broader and deeper. It invites children not only to do science, but to wonder, to connect, and to create questions that truly matter to them. Instead of a focus on the product, the process of inquiry will be the focus. This includes the thinking, the experimenting, the revising, and the reflecting that help students make sense of their world. STEM remains a vital pathway for curiosity and can certainly continue to investigate scientific phenomena, test engineering designs, or code creative solutions. Whether their question lies in science, technology, the arts, or human stories, each learner is encouraged to explore in ways that are authentic and meaningful. It is a celebration not just of what students know, but of how they’ve come to know it.
How do I sign up?
Submit an Intent to Participate Form found on the Illuminate LASD webpage and/or information found on your school’s webpage.
Who can I work with?
You can work with anyone—students, friends, family members, or adults of any age! Collaboration is encouraged. However, we recommend keeping groups to no more than three people since coordinating schedules and responsibilities can become tricky with larger teams.
What part of the project do I do myself and in what ways can my parents help me?
Parents are welcomed to take on a project with their child and or a team of students. Illuminate LASD provides a unique opportunity for students to either work on their project by themselves, with student peers, or even with an adult.
Does it have to be a project?
What are you curious about? You can choose any topic that is interesting to you or relates to your own experiences and share what you've learned in any format you wish. 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 ensure 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.
What is the format for the project?
The project is the work you’ve done throughout your question. For some projects, your question might have compelled you to take some action. Your project is a documentation of your journey.
When are the projects due?
Projects are due either at your school site on Thursday, March 26th @8:00AM OR Friday, March 27th @ Blach.
What can I expect during the actual evening event?
You will be invited to present your learning and will have a variety of formats available for you to share your work. Preferably, you will be there during the event presenting your learning either standing next to your project/artifact or at a roundtable sharing your learning and having opportunities to engage in some conversations..
Are prizes given for the best projects?
This is not a competitive event. Every child that completes a project will be given recognition.
Whom can I contact if I have questions?
Contact Grace Choi, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, for Los Altos School District at gchoi@lasdschools.org.