Reading’s 4th Annual Science Expo Coming in November

Expo will feature hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and student-produced displays

The Reading Memorial High School First Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 4761, “The Robockets,” and co-sponsors Reading Public Schools, Reading Education Foundation (REF), and Reading Public Library, via a parent and student volunteer team, is hosting Reading’s Fourth Annual Science Expo.

The Science Expo will be held from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 17th, 2018, at the Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading MA 01867.  Deadline for K-8 students to apply for table space for an exhibit, or wall space for a poster, is November 10, 2018.  Instructions and guidelines can be found HERE.   Sign up via SignUP Genius HERE.

The Science Expo is a free, fun, non-competitive event to get children to experience the joys and wonder of scientific discovery. In addition to student exhibits, the Science Expo will feature hands-on science experiments for students in grades K-8, led by Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Robotics students, as well as robot exhibitions.  Students of all grades and library visitors of all ages are invited to participate in the experiments, observe the demonstrations, and take a look at the science displays, posters, and exhibits Reading students have submitted.  All children in grades K-8 who live in Reading, whether attending public or private school or homeschooled, are encouraged to join us to be an exhibitor or provide a poster. The event itself will be open to the public.

Students in kindergarten through grade 2 are invited to make a science poster for display.  Students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to create a display, exhibit, or demonstration, related to any STEM area of interest. Optionally, students can opt to be present to discuss and demonstrate their exhibit (adult supervision required).  Students may exhibit individually, as part of a group (e.g.  Scout troops, Lego League Teams, Science Teams, etc.), as part of an informal group of classmates, or even as part of a classroom.  Students also can demonstrate what they are learning in their science classes and repeat class experiments.

Students can choose any STEM topic for their exhibit and can use the websites www.sciencebuddies.org and http://www.education.com/science-fair/elementary-school/ for inspiration, guidance, and instructions around finding and conducting a science experiment.  Students may also use ready-made science kits to help in their displays.  Instructions and guidelines at the above link specify various uses and items not allowed in the library (e.g., open flames, live animals, etc.), so please refer to that before choosing a topic.

If you have further questions about this event or the signup process, please don’t hesitate to email rpsscienceexpo@gmail.com. Parent Volunteers Eileen Manning, Janet Bonitatibus, and Marianne Downing in coordination with the RPS STEM Curriculum Coordinator Heather Leonard and Robockets Student Leader Tanya Manoj, will be happy to answer any questions and provide guidance.