ESKOM CAPE TOWN EXPO FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

EXPO 2014

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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

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In South Africa there

are 30 regional Expos spread

over the 9 provinces

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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

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*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 2013 discuss their Expo projects

• Teachers get extra info

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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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*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

1 + 2 = 50%14

3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH (30%)

Poster, report, journal Table display

4. ORAL COMMUNICATION (20%)

Interview

3 + 4 = 50%

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*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.

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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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CAPE TOWN EXPO 2014

Website: www.expo.wcape.school.zaFacebook page:www.facebook.com/CapeTownEskomExpo

Check both regularly for project ideas, updates,copies of documents, etc.

CONTACT DETAILS ask your teacher to contactMrs. Olga PeelRegional Science Fair Director

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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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