Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Expo?
It is a competition where you show your project to judges and to other interested people. Expo can virtual (online) or face-to-face.

What is an Expo project?
It’s a project that you have done where you investigate a topic that interests you and write up your work and present it at an Expo.

Who can do an Expo project?
Any learner or pairs of learners who are attending a South African school and who are in Grades 6 to 12.

How do I come up with a good idea for a project?
Be sure to choose a project that is personal to you somehow. The best projects involve topics that you already have an interest in.

Do I need to work with a teacher on my project?
A teacher is the first person you need to discuss your project with because they are interested in your personal growth and development. Your teacher is also your guide.

Where can I go to find more information on Expo projects?
Start off by looking at the Project Ideas page on this website.

Can I conduct an investigation on my pet?
Investigating any animal is discouraged because you may cause harm to the animal. Please refer to a relevant scientist first before considering a project involving ANY living thing.

Can I conduct an investigation on a family member?
It depends on what kind of investigation you want to conduct. Does your test involve surveys or low-risk activities? Then yes, however, if your test could negatively impact on the wellbeing of the test subject, then NO. Please consult with a medical professional if your project could impact the physical or mental wellbeing of a test subject.

Which category should I register my project under?
Some project could fall under a few different categories. Make sure to consult with your teacher to pick a category that best suits your project.

Would an engineering project have the same format as a scientific method project?
Engineering projects follow a completely different format from scientific method projects. Be sure to use the appropriate project layout form when compiling your project.

How should I title my project?
Try to steer clear from sensationalist or catchy titles. Pick a title that perfectly captures what your project is about. Titles should be a maximum of 8 words long.

What documents do I need to submit for my project to get judged?
You will need your Research Plan, Report, Abstract, Journal as well as a completed Ethics from and a Plagiarism form.

Can I add pictures to my project?
You may include as many pictures as you like, however; please ensure that the pictures you include add value to your project. It is recommended that any pictures you include are taken by you or your partner, and the pictures are captioned along with the name of the taker. Do not add pictures of other people to your project.

How can I make my project stand out?
Your project will stand out to judges if your project is something that you are passionate about. Make sure you use the correct layout and have done enough testing and project is sure to catch the eye.

What kinds of questions could judges ask in the interview?
The judges will ask a range of different questions relating to your method, data, analysis and conclusion. The judges want to know whether you have followed the proper steps to collect the data and that the data supports your conclusion. They will want to now if you did the project yourself.