Snakes: Spencer

I chose this topic because I have always been fascinated by snakes, how they move, their appearance and their behavior toward humans. In the beginning I researched snakes by reading many books from 3 different libraries, and several internet sources, discovering lots of interesting facts about North Carolina's snake population. I was able to interview a herpetologist at the NC Zoo, tour the public exhibits and explore behind the scenes areas. Constructing a 3D model comparing a venomous and non venomous snake was messy yet fun. The skeleton model I made from clay, beads and wire was challenging. Putting together a powerpoint presentation took time, concentration and patience. I hope everyone will respect, appreciate and realize snakes are awesome. A project his big takes time, you can't rush things if you want a good results. Following each step helps to breakdown the task and make it easier to complete and assemble in the end. Next time I want to study Greek mythology because I've been reading books and watching movies about them.

Smart Board: Worth

I chose this topic because I think I needed to learn more about them. I used a timeline to show history of the smart board. I used a Venn Diagram to compare the smart board and the white board. The one think I learned about organizing is that you need to be specific. For example, for my timeline I used the most specific things. Next time I would like to learn about Legos.

Candy: William

Ethiopia: Will

I chose this topic because we were adopting from Ethiopia. First of all my mom and dad went over to pick up my sister, Helen. I made a 3D model with my Dad. We tried to make the expert project as well as we could. I learned the Ethiopia is not just a country, it is a special place. I would like to study basketball because I love the game.

Injection Molding: Sara

I chose this topic because my dad works there and I thought it was cool. I did the process of the beads and how they go through a machine that they set to about 300 degrees F. It has the shape of the mold so it gets into shape and they wait for 30 minutes. Then they let it sit out. After that, they put the label and sticker and it is finished. I learned how 1,000,000 beads turn into 1,000 products. Next time I want to do Africa because I think that all the animals are cool and the people there are interesting.

The Caribbean National Forest El Yunque: Samantha

I chose the topic because I visited El Yunque and I was fascinated by the animals, plants and its history. For my project, I first went on a tour of the rainforest. While on the tour, I took pictures of many different plants and animals and I learned about the history of many different things in the forest. After the tour I was very fascinated about the rainforest so I researched more in the library and on the computer. Finally I picked the things that were most interesting to me and made a slideshow about them. I learned that there is a lot of information and resources that can be used and it takes a lot of time and you have to stay on task. The next time I do a project I hope to study about another rainforest because it would be neat to compare the two.

Electricity: Sadie

I chose this topic because I wanted to learn more about it. I put all my information on my board and my 3d model was a savonius wind turbine. I learned that the power company uses underground wires for houses. Next time I hope to study about pottery because a man at my church owns a pottery business.

Dogs: Reagan

I chose this topic because I love dogs so I wanted to learn about them. I surveyed my class about what type of dogs they have. I made a graph. I gathered facts and myths. I made a powerpoint and saw my families' therapy dogs. I learned it takes a lot of hard work and patience. The next time I do another project I hope to study the military because my dada is in it and it is a big influence on me.

History of Women's Soccer: Megan

I chose this topic because I love soccer and I love to play it. What I did with the project was a video, powerpoint, bracket, interview, went to a college soccer game and put pictures on my board. Also I got some tickets and stickers to put on my board. I learned that you have to do each thing one at a time so you can get it done and keep it organized. I want to study about the Civil War because I have been into a lot of books about the Civil War and think it is interesting.

Fishing: Matthew

I chose this topic because fishing is one of my favorite things to do. I did many surveys and made the data into a chart. I also did a report on common freshwater fish. I learned that it takes a lot of effort and responsibility to do a project like this. I hope to study next about basketball because this is my favorite sport and I know a lot about it.

Nutrition: Luke

I became interested in nutrition because my mom teaches about it so I wanted to learn about it. I found out what sugar does to the body. I learned what foods are good to me and what foods are harmful to me. My class took a survey to find out if they are a green light eater, yellow light eater or red light eater and I posted the results on my board. It takes a lot of work, research and planning to do for the project. I hope I will get to do basketball next year because it is my favorite sport and I started playing when I was 4 years old.

Basket Weaving: Laura Leigh

I chose this topic because I have known about this topic and wanted to learn more about it. I weaved my basket and sprayed with water. The water was spreak every 20 minutes. I learned with this project that you have to have patience to weave and build with something that can easily break. I hope to study next time about the water cycle.

The Courier Tribune: Kendall

I chose this topic because I thought it would be interesting to learn more about this topic. For my 3D model, I interviewed some of the teachers at my school. Then I put them together to make a story about each of them. After I had all of my stories written, I met with the sports writer of The Courier Tribune and he helped me put together my own newspaper. I also had a tour of the Courier Tribune from Mr. Ray Criscoe. I learned that instead of doing everything at once or waiting until the last minute to do the project, you should space it out. Next time I hope to study Mt. Rushmore because I am going on a trip there.

Trains: Jackson

I chose this topic because since I was little I've liked trains. I went to Spencer, NC to visit their train museum. I made a timeline and 3D model of a train. I learned that you need to narrow down your project when completing something this size. Next year I hope to study about lighthouses because I am interested in them.

Cuba: Gleisy

I chose this topic because I have a Cuban background and I thought it would be fun. I made a 3D model of a house. I also gathered some pictures and souvenirs from when I went to Cuba. I most importantly had fun. I learned that doing a project this size is not easy. Next time, I hope to study something instead of a place.

The Biltmore Estate: Dylan

I chose this topic because I wanted to learn more about the Estate. During the project, I visited the house in October 2009. I was able to build two puzzles of the house and I learned a lot about the house. One thing I learned what to not bring the 3D model until the expert fair. Next year I hope to study how your wingspan effects a person's dunking power.

The Story of Hershey: Brooke

Rollercoasters: Benjamin

I chose this topic because I always wanted to learn how rollercoasters worked. During the project, I did:

* research

* made a venn diagram

* went to Busch Gardens

* road some rollercoasters

* designed a roller coaster

I learned that you need to start early on your project. Next time I want to know how the rollercoaster work.

NC Symbols: April

Hurricanes: Andrew

I chose hurricanes because I've always been interested in them. I learned many things that I didn't know before. I was even able to interview people that have been in a hurricane. I learned that a project of this size takes a lot more work than I ever thought it would. Next time I want to study the Bahamas, it makes me feel more relaxed.

Interior Design: Allison

I chose interior design because I've always liked the way different rooms were decorated and also because I wanted to redecorate my room. While I did my project, I also redid my room to show what you can do on a small budget. One of the biggest changes in my room is the paint color. I used to have yellow and pink walls, now I just have pink walls which is a big difference. When doing a project this size, it is a good idea to keep all of your information organized so that you know where it is when you need it and don't have to search for it. Next year for the math fair, I'd like to do magic numbers and for the science fair, I have no idea what I want to do.

Welcome to our Expert Project Blog!

Please take a moment to view students' projects on topics that span from Cuba to Interior Design. Also see students' reflections about the process, tips for completing an assignment this size and possible next topics.

Thank you for all the hard work!