This is the PPT used at Cape Town Expo workshop in Feb 2014. The workshop is designed for schools that have never previously taken part in Expo.

1. ESKOM CAPE TOWN EXPO
FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS
EXPO
2014

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
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3. In South
Africa there
are 30
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
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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!
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7. 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
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• STEP 10: Show your work

8. 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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9. 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
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be approved by an expert

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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
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14. 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%
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15. 3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH
(30%)
 Poster, report, journal
 Table display
4. ORAL COMMUNICATION (20%)
 Interview
3 + 4 = 50%
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16. *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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17. 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.
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22. CAPE TOWN EXPO 2014
Website: www.expo.wcape.school.za
Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/CapeTownEskomExpo
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
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23. 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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