ESKOM CAPE TOWN EXPO FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS Expo workshop 2015

2 ABOUT CAPE TOWN EXPO……. OUR VISION  Inspiring Young Scientists OUR MISSION  We develop scientists that are able to identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively

3 In South Africa there are 31 regional Expos spread over the 9 provinces

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5 WHAT IS EXPO ABOUT ?  An exposition, or science fair, where learners like you show others their projects about their own scientific investigations  You can discuss your work with judges, teachers and learners from other schools and with other interested people  The prizes & prestige are one aspect  Learners increase their awareness of wonders of Science, add to their knowledge and broaden their scientific horizons

6 *WHAT IS A SCIENTIFIC PROJECT ?  An investigation in which you try to solve a problem or answer a question that you have identified  A project that follows a method that allows you to test an idea or solve a problem and come to a clear conclusion  Original work done by you – not something you have found on the web or in a book or copied from someone else!

STEPS TO A GOOD SCIENTIFIC PROJECT STEP 1: Choosing a topic STEP 2: Project description STEP 3: Gather background information and draw up a method STEP 4: Collect data STEP 5: Record your results in tables STEP 6: Discuss results STEP 7: Conclusion STEP 8: Evaluate the whole project STEP 9: Write a scientific report STEP 10: Show your work 7

What is today about? Learners learning HOW to plan a project - get help from an Expo expert Experts from 2014 discuss their Expo projects Teachers get extra info 8

ETHICS No plagiarism – your work must be original, not a cut & paste/ summary of other sources No branding! Nothing that harms people/ animals Nothing that breaks the law (e.g. involving drugs or alcohol) Any surveys of children must have parental consent Human testing (e.g. survey projects) MUST be approved by an expert 9

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13 *HOW WILL YOUR PROJECT BE JUDGED? 1. CREATIVITY / ORIGINALITY  originality of the problem  unique approach to solve an issue  valuable contribution for sustainable future  use of resources  depth of planning  execution of investigation

2. SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT & METHODS  clear statement of objectives  identification of all relevant variables  evidence of depth of study & effort  proper scientific methods used  proper analysis of data  logical conclusions  feasible applications  conclusions = 50% 14

3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH (30%)  Poster, report, journal  Table display 4. ORAL COMMUNICATION (20%)  Interview = 50% 15

*PLANNING YOUR PROJECT USE A TIMELINE TO DO AN EFFECTIVE PROJECT A timeline is a planning tool which you use so that YOU manage your project effectively and hand in your work on time. 16

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TIMELINE Draw up a calendar in a table Enter every deadline including all school deadlines. Work backwards from the due date and put in other due dates for each stage of your project. Ask someone to check your timeline. Print your final timeline and put copies in your diary and on your board at home so that you don’t miss deadlines. Put reminders in your cell phone. 17

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21 CAPE TOWN EXPO 2015 Website: Facebook page: Check both regularly for project ideas, updates, copies of documents, etc. CONTACT DETAILS ask your teacher to contact Mrs. Olga Peel Regional Science Fair Director

22 CONCLUSION: Experience Expo … it just is fun! it is the future! touch the future! touch LIFE! know how the world works.

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