Preparing
A page within Science and Math Expo
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US (EFFECTIVE 3.12.2022)
We are committed to ensuring the Science & Math Expo is conducted as safely as possible. Masks are recommended in indoor spaces on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus and surgical-grade masks are available at all building entrances. The current safety guidelines for this program are available here. We will continue to monitor public health recommendations leading up to the Science & Math Expo and will adjust the COVID mitigation measures and protocols as necessary.
Teacher's/mentor's role:
Behind each student is a mentor, often a science/math teacher, but occasionally a dedicated citizen. These volunteers are the backbone of the Science & Math Expo. The ways in which you can assist any student are:
- Instill interest within your students early by explaining the potential of science and math projects and the advantages of participating.
- Correlate the importance of students' work with that of everyday living to science and math.
- Offer encouragement and guidance.
- Provide materials that will help the student select a project: National Science Teachers Association; If You Want to Do a Science Project; Sponsors Handbook; Science Clubs of America; Mind Research Institute Sums and Solutions – 5 Reasons to Design a Math Game with your Kids this Summer; Shell Centre for Mathematics Education – Design a Board Game.
- Discuss how to develop a project, and show results of past projects.
- Review the rules governing the use of Vertebrate Animals. If some of your students intend to carry out vertebrate animal experimentation, make certain that they are aware of the procedure to follow so that they are able to obtain a Vertebrate Animal Endorsement. See attached forms.
- Set up a local Science & Math Expo in your school. This will give them experience in explaining their projects.
- Establish a deadline calendar. For example: project selection to be done by mid-February, progress report by the end of February, abstracts by March, and projects completed and ready for presentation by early May.
- Arrange periodic small group discussions of progress on projects and provide an opportunity to analyze and solve problems related to individual projects.
- Help students share equipment and supplies.
- Help students with the technicalities involved in preparing a project. Make sure they are aware of the safety regulations and formats to be followed.
- Check the project carefully to be sure the project meets all safety regulations and abstract regulations before approving
Guide to developing student's science projects:
Select a topic:
Sometimes the simplest idea offers the greatest challenge and the most imaginative results! Our goal is to have you think like a scientist.
Design the investigation plan/procedure:
Remember to include all your materials and the step by step procedure, from start to finish. Keep in mind any possible hazards, as safety is important.
Conduct the investigation, gather and analyze data, and form conclusion/scientific explanation:
Measure, observe, and record what happens at each step of the investigation. Incorporate tables, graphs, pictures, etc. as needed. Based on your analysis of the data, form a conclusion/scientific explanation.
Guide to developing student's mathematics projects:
Design a Game:
Think about what you like about games you have played. Now, can you use your imagination and math skills to create a game that others would enjoy? Your game should not be a reproduction of a current game. Your game should be your own design with unique parts to it. Your game may be one where players challenge each other to win or a game where players work together to reach a goal. Look for ways to use math in the design of the game and ways the players will use math while playing the game.
Test your Game:
Make a rough copy of your game and try playing it with friends or family to help you decide how to make the game better.
Create your Game Board or other Game Pieces:
Think of ways to use math ideas in designing your game. For instance, will you use certain geometry ideas in your design? Do you need to make measurements to create a display that works well and looks the best? Will you use a die or cards to add chance to your game? How will the players use math ideas while playing your game?
Finalize the rules for your Game:
Clearly state the goals of the game and give rules that cover all possible events that could happen while playing your game.
Guide to developing student's research projects:
Select a topic:
Select a scientific research question that you are interested in. This may be a topic that you would like to learn more about, but that you wouldn’t be able to create an investigation procedure to explore.
Do research:
You must use at least 3 reliable resources to research your topic. These resources may be from the internet or from print materials such as an encyclopedia or a scholarly magazine. If you are not sure what resources are considered reliable, ask your teacher.
When researching your topic consider the following:
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- The history of the subject
- Definitions of important words or concepts related to your topic
- What sorts of research investigations have been done before to investigate this question? Did they have the same conclusions?
- Why this topic is important
Include a bibliography:
Remember to list the sources that you used to research your topic. If you take text directly from one of your resources, remember to properly cite the resource.
Sponsored by:
In the NEWS!
UW-La Crosse hosts students for Science and Math Expo
~April 17, 2018 NEWS8000.com
La Crosse area middle school students show their creativity at annual Science and Math Expo
~April 18, 2018 La Crosse Tribune