Preparing for a school science exhibition

What an exhibition is really testing

A school science exhibition is not only about a shiny model. Teachers and judges look for four things: does the project work, does the student understand why, is the work the student's own, and can the student explain it clearly. A modest model that a child can explain well will often do better than an expensive one that the child cannot.

So your preparation should go beyond building. It should include practising the explanation, preparing a simple display and thinking about the questions visitors will ask.

Four weeks before

Confirm the theme, the table size, the rules about materials and the date with the class teacher. Choose the project using the guide in this hub, and make a materials list with your child. Order or buy anything that is not in the house. If you are building a working model, set aside a regular time each day and keep all the parts in one box.

Two weeks before: build and test

Make the first working version early. A project that first works the night before has no time left to fix problems. Test it several times, in the same conditions it will face at school. If it needs sunlight, test it in daylight; if it needs a table, test it on a table. Keep a notebook where your child writes what they tried, what happened and what they changed. This notebook is gold during questions, because it proves the work is the child's own.

One week before: the story and the display

Ask your child to plan a two-minute talk in this simple order: the question or problem, the science idea in plain words, how the model works, what happened when we tested it, and where the idea is used in daily life. The detailed guides on this site include viva questions and a report outline that can serve as a starting point.

Prepare a simple display: a title card with the name, class and project name; a labelled diagram; a short observation table or chart; and the main idea written in three or four lines. Use large, neat lettering that can be read from a metre away. Too much text puts visitors off.

Practising the explanation

Let your child present to the family. Ask the questions a visitor might ask and do not rescue them with answers. Useful questions include: what is the main idea? what happens if you change this? why did you choose this material? what did not work at first? where do we see this in real life? how could it be improved?

If your child freezes, show them that it is fine to say "I am not sure, but I think it is because..." That honest answer is better than a memorised one. Encourage standing straight, speaking slowly and looking at the visitor.

The checklist for the day before

• The model works, and a spare set of batteries, rubber bands or tape is packed.
• All labels, charts and the report are in a folder.
• Name card and school diary are ready.
• Sharp or fragile parts are wrapped, and the model is packed in a box that will not crush it.
• School uniform or exhibition dress is ready, and the child has had a full night's rest.
• A water bottle and a small snack are packed.

On the day

Arrive a little early to set up and test. If something stops working, take a breath and use the troubleshooting you practised. Remind your child that visitors, including judges, are usually kind and curious. If your child is nervous, a short, warm word from you is enough; avoid last-minute lectures.

Parents are usually not part of the judging area, so wait where you are asked to. If you are invited as a visitor, ask questions like any other visitor and let your child do the talking.

After the exhibition

Whatever the result, talk about what went well and what your child learned. Marks and prizes are lovely but should not be the only measure. Keep the model if you can, because it may be useful next year as a base for a better version. Thank the teacher who organised the event, and encourage your child to look at other students' projects and ask them how they were made. Curiosity is contagious.