Manning Science Expo
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What is the Manning Science Expo?
The Expo is a display of science work that each student completed on his or her own, at home.

Which students have to participate?
All students should participate but it is REQUIRED for students in Grades 3, 4, and 5.

When is the deadline?
The deadline is March 15, (Monday). Work will not be accepted before this date.

What does my child do?
Each child does a science investigation at home. This means the child does science and writes a BRIEF report on her or his work, including drawings or photographs of the materials used.

Why does the Manning School hold the Science Expo?
Every child has been involved in investigations in the Science Center since starting at the Manning School. This Expo assures each child does science outside of the Science Center at least once a year.

What type of project is not accepted?
No projects with volcanoes are accepted. Also, reports with information coming from books or the Internet are not acceptable for the Expo. For instance, writing about how Panda Bears are in danger would NOT be acceptable. Writing a report about dinosaurs or insects or CAT-scan machines would also be unacceptable. The focus of Science Expo is doing the work of science, not reading about the work of others. (There are sometimes other unacceptable projects; this is determined when I review your child’s question with him or her.)

What is the first thing my child should do?
Since science revolves around answering questions, the first thing is to decide on a question. I strongly encourage your child to bring me the question as soon as possible so you can be sure the question and work is acceptable. I meet with every child who brings me the question in writing. If we come up with a modified question, I write that one down for the child to bring home.

What does a good Science Expo project include?
The FOUR parts to a successful project are: a carefully worded question, an age-appropriate activity, careful observations which are written down or drawn, and a answer to the question.

The Question: ‘What happens when’ and ‘How do you’ are good ‘question starters’. ‘Why’ questions are very hard to answer. The question’s complexity should match the child’s age.
The Activity: The child needs to do something with things to find out a possible answer. Any project using animals must be pre-approved.
The Observations: Things will happen that need to be noticed very carefully. What you notice are the observations. These must be saved on paper as words AND pictures.
The Answer: After you have thought about your observations, you should have an answer to your question. It will probably be a short and simple answer.

How will the work be graded?
It is not competitive; everyone who successfully completes a project is a winner. The work will be scored and students who bring in the poster on time will have time to improve the work. Posters that are complete with work based on an age-appropriate question will receive a Level 3.

What is brought in to display at the Expo?
A small poster and the materials used during the activity.

What is the poster like?
The poster must be no larger than an open folder (which will be given to the students). Please do not use the front AND back (as it will be hung on the wall). The maximum size is 18" by 12". Larger sizes will not be accepted.

What should be included on the poster?
It presents the question, describes the activity, shows the observations, and answers the question is required. Very simple!

What if the work isn’t ready by the due date?
The child should talk with me. I am always flexible around due dates when the nature of the work requires it.

I am still unsure and want to talk with you – what should I do?
Come to the evening information session. I will explain the requirements, show you samples of really good student work, and even walk you through an investigation if you want.
Where can we get help with deciding on a good question? Our libraries are full of books with workable ideas. Many times, a child is already curious about something and this is a great beginning.

What advice can you give me?
Start right away.
Come to the information session.
Keep the project simple and uncomplicated (save this for middle school!). Your child should be able to do the entire project without your help, other than you supplying them with the materials, supervising the progress to keep the mess to a minimum.
Meet the deadline.
Check that the poster is neat and of the correct size.
Check frequently that you all are fun!