Edmonds School District #15
STEM EXPO
Student Handbook
Science Inquiry Essay Category
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HIGH SCHOOL
APRIL 18, 2016
6:00 – 8:00pm
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Table of Contents
What is the STEM Expo? ............................................................................................................................................... 3
A Quick Note about STEM Competitions ...................................................................................................................... 4
Important Note for Students Using this Handbook: ..................................................................................................... 5
STEM Competitions Based on Science Essays .............................................................................................................. 5
Choosing Your Topic ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Types of Science Inquiry Essays to Consider for the STEM Expo .................................................................................. 7
Tips to Keep in Mind While Writing your Essay ............................................................................................................ 8
Working with Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Example of a Project Timeline/Calendar .................................................................................................................... 10
Prepare a Display Board of Your Findings/Work ........................................................................................................ 11
Display Board Ideas for Science Investigation Projec ................................................................................................. 12
How Adults Can Help .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Registration for the Edmonds STEM Expo .................................................................................................................. 13
Project Planning Proposal Example ............................................................................................................................ 14
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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What is the STEM Expo?
Welcome Students!
The STEM Expo is a celebration of YOU, and of your learning in science and engineering. It is the place to
share what you care deeply about and to show the community how STEM can be used to impact our
future. To join the event, you may use work done as part of a class, or work you’ve developed
independently with support from a teacher, mentor or coach. Your projects may be presented as team
or as individual work in any of the following categories:
Scientific Investigations
Lab experiments or field studies designed by students in order to answer a scientific question.
Engineering Design Projects and Inventions
Inventions and engineered projects designed by students to provide a solution to a problem.
Computer Sciences
Projects designed by students which include work in computer engineering, programming,
forensics and software development.
Scientific Inquiry Essays
This category showcases two major types of student essays. One type is writing done to explain
lab techniques and experiments done (but not designed) by students. A second type is writing
based on a review of scientific literature to explore a question about a scientific topic.
STEM Club Projects
Procedures and technologies used by students as part of STEM related competitions and projectbased learning activities.
STEM Classroom Demonstrations
These displays feature demonstrations of procedures and technologies used within STEM
classrooms.
Each category has specific criteria that need to be followed. The criteria for Scientific Inquiry Essays are
listed in this handbook. You are encouraged to choose the type of project that best fits your learning
style and interests. Students, teachers, mentors and advisors can find STEM Expo resources in any of the
above categories at the Edmonds School District STEM Expo website.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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A Quick Note about STEM Competitions
As you are getting ready for the STEM Expo, it is a great time to be
aware of other STEM competitions that you might like to participate
in, too.
Use your talents, passion and STEM knowledge to make a
difference in our world! Check out these opportunities to share
your ideas. You might participate in one of these events as part of a
class, but you could also do it on your own. Find an event that fits your style. If you have questions about
getting started, need support, or plan to enter on your own rather than as part of a class, contact Mary
Glodowski at the Edmonds School District glodowskim@edmonds.wednet.edu.
Besides using your ideas to make a difference in the world, here are a few other reasons to consider
participating in a STEM competition:
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You can start to make a difference in the world now! (Just had to mention that one more time.)
It’s really the most important reason for doing science and engineering, after all.
You have something to brag about on your college applications.
You have something significant to add to your resume.
You can make great connections with the scientific and engineering community.
$$$ All competitions listed below have cash prizes. $$$
$$$ Some of the competitions listed below have scholarship prizes. $$$
Consider reviewing these events for great ideas to help you with your STEM Expo Project. Visit
Edmonds School District STEM Competitions for easy access to information on ALL of these amazing
events! http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/Page/11071 
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Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Washington State Science & Engineering Fair
Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
Broadcom MASTERS
Intel Science Talent Search
DuPont Challenge
Google Science Fair
Siemens Competition
eCybermission
Microsoft Imagine Cup
FIRST LEGO League
Real World Design Challenge
Toshiba ExploraVision
Imagine Tomorrow
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Important Note for Students Using this Handbook:
If you are participating in the STEM Expo as part of a class assignment:
Follow all instructions from your teacher very carefully as you move through the writing process.
This handbook may serve to give you a few more ideas and resources to consider.
If you are doing this project without your class and will be entering only the STEM Expo:
Feel free to use a blend of the strategies presented in this handbook in a way that best suits your
style! Before you start writing, you will need to have your topic approved. Contact Mary
Glodowski at the Edmonds School District glodowskim@edmonds.wednet.edu for approval, to
register for the STEM Expo, and if you have questions or need support with your project.
If you are doing this project for both the STEM Expo AND for another STEM event or competition (see
examples on page 4):
If you plan to share your competition work at the STEM Expo, follow all instructions given for
your other STEM event/competition very carefully. You will register for the STEM Expo with your
teacher. If you are doing entering the STEM Expo without your class, you can contact Mary
Glodowski at the Edmonds School District glodowskim@edmonds.wednet.edu to register for the
STEM Expo, and if you have questions or need support with your project.
STEM Competitions Based on Science Essays
DuPont Challenge
Individual Essays for Grades 6-12
Specific combinations of class or group writing and tasks for Grades K-5
Toshiba ExploraVision
Team Essays for Grades K-12
Students are prompted to envision a change in the technology of their future
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Choosing Your Topic
Choosing your topic is often a difficult first step. The following suggestions will help
you get started:
Generate a list of interests: The best topic comes from something you are
passionate about. What are your hobbies? Are you interested in how things
work, patterns you observe in nature, solving a problem or issue you have
noticed in your community? Is there something you have always wondered about? Is there a
product or design you have wanted to develop or improve?
Get help: Brainstorm ideas with a friend, parent, or another interested adult.
What questions do I have about the topic? Just as you identified a topic, generate a list of
questions you have about this topic. Remember, this is all a brainstorm to this point
Best Tips for Idea Resources from the STEM Competitions (see page 4)
The DuPont Challenge:
They use a thematic approach to choosing a topic. Their four categories revolve around
these four prompts. You can visit their website for ideas associated with these topics.
Together, we can feel the world.
Together, we can build a secure energy future.
Together, we can protect people and the environment.
Together, we can innovate.
Google Science Fair:
You can find an idea generator near the bottom of their page under “Stuck for Ideas?”
You will be asked to type in something that you love, select something that you are good
at from a drop down menu, and then select an option from a third drop down menu
about what you want to explore. They will present dozens of articles and links that are
closely, or loosely related to your search.
eCybermission:
You can watch series of short videos that guide students through each stage of a
developing a science project, including developing ideas. Remember to look at the
bottom of the page for links to supporting documents.
Toshiba ExploraVision:
This site has a series of great tips to help guide you through the processes of
brainstorming, choosing a topic, and even how to research.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Types of Science Inquiry Essays to Consider for the STEM Expo
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If the purpose of your writing is to explain lab techniques, experiments, or engineering
projects done by you, but not designed by you, consider this:
A lab report can showcase your technical writing skills as well as your skills in analyzing and
interpreting data, and making conclusions based on evidence. Your work has added value if
you can also discuss how your information could be used or applied to other situations.
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If the purpose of your essay is to review several scientific articles to explore a question about
a scientific topic, consider this:
An essay that is driven by a scientific question that synthesizes, or combines different ideas
together can give a brand new perspective on a topic. What might you learn from other
science writers when you review articles that revolve around different aspects of your
question?
NOT A GOOD QUESTION
(fine question for an encyclopedia article, but
definitely not for a scientific inquiry essay)
What is a robot?
What is coral?
What is Ebola?
What kind of computers can be found in a car?
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BETTER QUESTIONS
(these questions may lead you to new
perspectives about your topic)
How are robots used in health care, and what
might we expect in the future?
Why and how are coral reefs being used to
monitor changes in ocean temperatures?
What economic impact can a disease like Ebola
have on a nation?
What impact have computers had on driving
safety?
If the purpose of your essay is to compete in the DuPont Challenge or the Toshiba
ExploraVision Competition, consider this:
It is important to follow all of their requirements very carefully. Both competitions have very
helpful resources for managing your time, support with writing strong entries, and examples
of winning work.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Tips to Keep in Mind While Writing your Essay
Audience, Tone and Voice
Consider your audience as you write. Just because you are writing a science essay, it doesn’t
mean that your ideas can only be shared in a technical voice. Your purpose is to share science or
engineering information, ideas, and application. As you read scientific articles, think about the
type of audience the author is targeting. Determine your audience for BEFORE you start writing.
This handbook, for instance, is written for students.
Use a tone that is appropriate for your subject matter and your audience. Consider this - a few
years ago, the Mongolian Minister of Culture wrote a very powerful essay to her nation about
the economic and academic problems of dinosaur fossils being smuggled out of her country.
Educated at Yale and Stanford, and an advisor to the president of Mongolia, she could have
written a very, very technical essay. Instead, she wrote it from the point of view of Tarbosaurus
bataar, a dinosaur similar to T. rex, that once lived in Mongolia. “I am supposed to be a superstar,
but I am nobody because nobody knows me.” Her essay started a change in the culture of her
nation in protecting these scientific resources.
No matter what tone your essay takes, it is important that your understanding of the science,
engineering and technology of your topic is very clearly shared with your readers.
Past, Present and Future
Many strong science essays clearly contain information which shows that the author has a strong
understanding of the history of the topic, what’s significant about the topic now, and trends in
how the topic might change over time.
A Collection of Facts vs. New Ideas
Your scientific inquiry essay is about gaining new knowledge or insight on a topic. It is NOT meant
to be an encyclopedia entry.
Practicalities
How many pages? How many sources? Coversheet? Etc? Students in Grades 4-12 can participate
in the STEM Expo in the Scientific Inquiry Essay Category. Your practical questions can best be
answered by what is considered to be top quality work in your science class, at your grade level.
Examples of specifics that help make your typed paper more readable are 1 inch margins,
double-spacing, numbered pages, section headings, Calibri 11pt or 12pt font.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Working with Resources
Writing a science inquiry essays requires the use of resources that are accepted by the scientific
community. Your librarian can help you identify appropriate resources to use. Here are a few others to
help with your search.
Edmonds School District Online Resources Library http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/Domain/2955
Teachers and Specialists in your topic area
Museums and museum websites
Organizations that specialize in your topic
Purdue Online Writing Lab: Provides support in all types of writing assignments, though it requires a
little practice to navigate through all the options. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
Annotated Bibliographies: Explanations, examples and samples of how to write annotated
bibliographies. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/03/
Bibliography Formatting Resource: www.easybib.com
Scientific American: Online version of a popular science magazine that could be helpful with sources
and ideas, as well as examples of articles written for your target audience.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/
Science Daily: Online journal of popular science articles that could be used for ideas and examples of
work intended for your target audience. http://www.sciencedaily.com/
Science News: Another online version of popular science articles that could be used for ideas and
examples of work intended for your target audience.
https://student.societyforscience.org/sciencenews-students
TED Talks: Recorded presentations on several topics including science issues. http://www.ted.com/talks
Check out TED Ed, which is specifically focused on teaching about specific science issues.
http://ed.ted.com/
Google Scholar: Use this search option for peer-reviewed, primary articles. http://scholar.google.com/
PLoS (Public Library of Science): Online scientific, peer-reviewed primary articles. Not all articles will be
accessible without subscriptions. http://www.plos.org/ However, the PLoS One contains articles that
are openly accessible to all. http://www.plosone.org/
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Example of a Project Timeline/Calendar
This is a simple example of a timeline for a Science Inquiry Essay in which a science question is explored. Creating
a timeline for your project is HIGHLY recommended. It helps to keep you on track and breaks the process into
smaller tasks.
Tasks to be completed
October
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Start a STEM Expo Lab Notebook to record all work on your project
Decide whether to do a team or an individual project
Brainstorm topic ideas
Select a topic
Record notes from three resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for higher
grades)
November
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Make a list of questions you have about your topic
Spend as much time as possible reading & taking notes on your topic
Finalize the scientific question you will explore
Get approval from your teacher for your proposed scientific question
Record notes from three more resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for
higher grades)
December
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Outline of paper completed by giving topic of each paragraph
Opening paragraph completed and peer reviewed
Collection of more resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for higher
grades)
January
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Complete a rough draft
Have your rough draft peer reviewed
Review and revise your work
February
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Register online for the STEM Expo
Complete your final draft
March
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Create your display board
April
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Celebrate your work at the STEM Expo!
WINTER BREAK
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Prepare a Display Board of Your Findings/Work
The display board is a visual representation of your entire project, from question to completion. You will
be provided with a tri-fold display board. Keep your exhibit neat, uncluttered, and to the point. All
photos and illustrations should include captions and photo credits.
Note: No living organisms, taxidermy specimens, preserved animals, human/animal parts or body fluids,
hazardous or flammable chemicals, or drugs are allowed as part of your display at the STEM Expo.
Photos should not show students’ faces. Do not have anything of value or that is breakable as part of
your display. You will not have access to electrical outlets.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Display Board Ideas
for is
Science
Investigation
Projec
This
another
example of
a Display Board for Science Inquiry Essay Projects
Title
Important
background
information about
your topic
Detailed
conclusion/answer
to your question
Student Name
Question
Short answer to your
question
Further extensions
that could be
explored and WHY
Images, photos, graphs,
data tables
Bibliography,
resources,
acknowledgments
In Front of Display Board
on Table: Research Paper, Project Notebook and any other materials you
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
feel would be useful to explain and show how you ran and/or created your project.
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How Adults Can Help
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Visit the resource pages for the STEM Expo at the Edmonds School
District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Be a questioner to help achieve focus and clarity. Guide the students
rather than lead. Encourage students to make their own decisions and
use the inquiry approach.
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Be a helper by answering questions on the “how to.” A student might
require help remembering how to set up a graph or chart. Show them
how but don’t do it for them.
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Be an assistant when students need extra hands. Some tasks are just too difficult to do alone. Help
them organize time and information.
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Be a coach for students who need help. Show or remind them how to use information and assist in
finding appropriate search tools.
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Be a runner for various materials that the student might need. A student might need materials for
the project or they could need to visit a site or interview an expert to enhance their study.
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Be a wise listener when students want to share ideas. Allow the student to discuss progress and
show interest in the student’s project.
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Most importantly, be an encourager! Allow students to do their own quality work. Students will
perform best if they know they have support from teachers and parents. Let them know how well
they are doing and how proud you are of their accomplishments.
Registration for the Edmonds STEM Expo
Online registration for the STEM Expo will be open from February 8 – March 11, 2016. If you are
participating as part of a class, your teacher will give you registration access information in early
February. If you are participating without a class or club, please contact Mary Glodowski
glodowskim@edmonds.wednet.edu for registration instructions.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f
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Project Planning Proposal Example
Edmonds STEM Expo
Project Planning Proposal
Due Date:
Student’s Name or Team Members’ Names
Grade
Possible Project Title
Category (circle one):
Science Investigation
Engineering Design/Invention
Scientific Inquiry Essay
Computer Sciences
STEM Club Project
STEM Classroom Display
School:
Sponsoring Teacher:
A brief explanation of your proposed project. (2-3 sentences):
Does your proposed project use any of the following?
Yes No
Yes
Human Subjects in any way (even if it’s
just to ask them questions for a survey)
Vertebrate animals (animals with a
backbone)
Animal tissue
DNA
Radiation
No
Controlled or hazardous
substances
Any micro-organisms (bacteria,
viruses, fungi)
Disease causing agents
Explosives
Chemicals not generally found in a
household
I understand that when my project planning proposal is approved I will be expected to host my exhibit at the
STEM Exposition on Monday, April 18, 2016 6:00-8:00pm at Mountlake Terrace High School.
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Teacher’s Review:
Congratulations! Your project proposal has
been approved.
Your project proposal isn’t ready for
approval yet.
Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at http://goo.gl/7e3e3f