Q. How do I sign up to participate at the STEAM Expo?
A. We’re glad you asked! Parents should sign into the registration site and add their students from the dashboard.
Q. What is the format for the project?
A. The actual project will consist of two parts, with an optional third part:
tri-fold project display with information clearly posted (provided by the school)
the actual project you did or built (or a video or photos from it!)
optional project report (see handouts)
In addition, you will have an opportunity to describe your project to a community reviewer at the STEAM Expo! A timeline of the event can be found on the Event Information page.
Refer to each category's requirements on the Category Information page for specific details on expectations for your project.
Q. Are projects worked on at school or at home?
A. Projects are worked on entirely at home over the course of a few months. Traditional science fairs are worked on at home, and we see the STEAM Expo as a new and improved science fair. It's a great way to work on something at home that you get to show off at school.
Q. What types of projects are acceptable?
A. Any projects that fall under the STEAM categories can be submitted. The STEAM categories for the 2021-2022 school year includes:
Coding (showcase your coding skills - make a unique program!)
Environmental Innovation (design a solution to an environmental problem)
Invention (invent or innovate something new - build a prototype!)
Reverse Engineering (taking something apart and figuring out/explaining how it works)
Robotics (design a mechanical or programmable robot - NO KITS, PLEASE!)
Scientific Inquiry (using the scientific method to answer a scientific question, using an experiment)
Wearable Design (design something unique that can be worn - can include technology!)
Q. How do I choose a topic for the project?
A. Explore the STEAM 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 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.
Q. How do I get a tri-fold board?
A. A tri-fold board will be provided for each participant or team in all grades after the December break (one per project only).
Here are some examples of how you might consider structuring your tri-fold board. (This is JUST a suggestion and is not a required way to set yours up!)
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. Partners must be from the same class - please check with your teacher for more details.
Q. What materials or tools can I use for my project?
A. You may use any materials or tools you feel will benefit your project! However, we ask that you maintain safety protocol at all times, even if that means asking an adult for help! We ask that you refrain from using pre-made kits, and instead try to brainstorm ways to create your own investigation or design. We would rather a design be "a work in progress" and show your learning as opposed to a perfect model that was built from a set of instructions.
Q. What part of the project do I do myself and in what ways can my parents help me?
A. The STEAM Expo provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in STEAM activities at home. If you are in grades TK - 3, you may have a parent's help with difficult or precarious tasks (using an open flame, for example), but we strongly encourage all ideas and work (including the tri-fold board!) to be done by you and your partner(s) (if you are working in a group). We want this to be a showcase of YOUR learning! Here are some suggested roles you and your parents and partner(s) can take in this project:
You and/or your partner(s) are the Primary Researcher and Scientist/Engineer on the project!
Some of YOUR role(s) may include:
Choosing the topic
Planning and conducting the experiments
Designing and building your prototype
Journaling/recording data
Taking photos or video of the process to display
Writing descriptions of the experiment and its results
Artwork, graphics, images, etc. for the display
Your parents or other adult helpers may act as the following:
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 or approve projects on the basis of high cost, lack of proper research facilities, etc.
Q. When are the projects due?
A. The projects should be completed by Monday, March 28, 2022. Students can start setting up their trifold boards at school on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Check with your teacher for more details on the due dates for various benchmarks of the project.
Q. Are prizes given for the best projects?
A. This is not a competitive event. We simply want you to have fun and dive deeply into STEAM learning! Every child that completes a project will be given recognition.
Q. Whom can I contact if I have questions?
A. Contact any of the following people:
Brad Gessler (SH Parent and STEAM Expo Coordinator) - bradgessler@gmail.com
Patsy Templeton (SH Principal) - ptempleton@orindaschools.org