Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Kindergartner or younger child do a project?

Yes, absolutely! Our Expo is open to all Beall students, and we always have lots of Kindergartners (and even a few PreK!) with great project ideas. Science is fun no matter how old you are.

Can I sign up late?

Yes! We'd love to have your project even if you were late deciding. (It's just harder for me to organize when you are late so PLEASE get those signups in as soon as you decide!) There are even sometimes display boards left after the signup date - but if there aren't, you can always buy your own at a local craft or office supply store. Just ask for a "science fair board."

Can I do the project with my sister or a friend?

Yes! Cooperative projects are great. Just register each child individually here and note who is working together. If you have already completed the registration, just follow up with your partner information by email to BeallSciExpo@gmail.com.

Can I bring my guinea pig to the Expo?

No. No live animals at the fair; it's stressful for them, and perhaps more importantly for the adults in charge. (This is a change from previous years, as our fair has grown.) It's okay to do a project that involves animals at home, as long as it is safe for the animals. Email BeallSciExpo@gmail.com if you need guidance on this.

Help! My project didn't work. Should I still come to the Expo?

YES! You should absolutely still come present your project. In science we call what you had an "unexpected outcome." That's a part of doing science, and a great topic to talk with your Visiting Scientist. Ask him or her: did your experiment ever not work as you expected? Being a really good scientist means observing and learning from what really happens rather than what you thought would happen. [But p.s. experiment extensions are good too- if you are ahead of schedule and you'd like to try again, feel free to reach out to the science fair coordinator for some help or ideas.]

I'm sick and the Expo is tonight! Can I send my board by itself even if I can't be there?

Yes! Ask a friend to bring it and take it home for you at the end of the Expo. Please also email beallsciexpo@gmail.com so I can tell your Visiting Scientist not to expect to speak with you.

How much should I help my child? 

That depends. You know your child best- the goal of this project is a really fun science experience. Some children do best working closely with a supportive parent, and other children really do their best learning when they are independent. The projects are not judged or graded in any way, which leaves families free to decide what's best for each individual child's learning. 

My child did the experiment, but now doesn't want to do a display board. Should we still come to the Expo?

YES! Do you have pictures? Do you have project materials? The display board is not required (although almost everyone uses one). It is, however, much easier to share your project with others if you have something to show -- photographs, project materials, drawings or diagrams, graphs and charts and even spoken words are all ways to communicate. It's best to have something to put on the table so we know you aren't absent, and because then people will have SOME idea what kind of project you did- but you can be creative! Come share the project in your own way! 

My child is stressed about talking to a Visiting Scientist about the project at the fair. What can I say to reassure him/her?

It is normal for kids to be stressed about this part of the process. You can help by not amplifying that stress: you are confident your child will do great! The nervousness is partly what makes this such a powerful part of the project for our kids: our scientists are terrific with them, and it is always a successful experience in the end. Kids need to understand their own project and what they did, but they do NOT need a prepared speech- it's a conversation! The best way to practice is just to explain what you did to someone else- a conversation that invariably happens at recess and in the lunchroom in the days before the fair. Note: If your child would be more comfortable with a Visiting Scientist who can speak to him or her in Spanish, Chinese, etc., please contact BeallSciExpo@gmail.com with that request.