from wow to aha! a training presentation to help communicators design and plan a science show. by...
TRANSCRIPT
FROM WOW TO
AHA!A training presentation to help
communicators design and plan a science show.
By Irene Schoeman Sci-Enza, University of Pretoria
Why do science shows?
• Awareness • Enjoyment• Interest• Opinions• Understanding
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Why do science shows?
• Supplement Education• Provide entertainment• Add value to excursion
• Provide experiences not possible in school• Attract people into science careers• Encourage personal interaction
Advantages“Science shows” a great way for interns and science communicators to improve their presentation and communication skills at science centres
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Planning a Science Show1. Choose a Topic 2. Select the main concepts that will be covered in the show
– Usually no more than 3
3. Choose demonstrations and tricks to support each of the main ideas – test it first to see if it works. Consider safety, budget, time limits…
4. Write the script – science explanations and link to next concepts
5. Collect all the equipment necessary to perform the tricks and other supporting materials – (pictures, models, video clips)
6. Test – Practise the show in front of your colleagues
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• The SCIENCE must be accurate!
Why is the sky blue?
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• SCIENCE!!!• Conceptual progress – but it is always good to start and finish with a BANG!
• Big and visible experiments• INTERACTIVE - Use volunteers, this is not a
lecture! • Emotion, use voice, body, costumes, props • Fun (for yourself and the audience)
Picture: www.discoverycentre.ns.ca/explore/live-science-shows
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• SCIENCE!!!• Conceptual progress• Big and visible experiments• INTERACTIVE - Use volunteers, this is not a
lecture! • Emotion, use voice, body, costumes, props • Fun (for yourself and the audience)
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• SCIENCE!!!• Conceptual progress• Big and visible experiments• INTERACTIVE – Use volunteers, this is not a lecture!
• Emotion, use voice, body, costumes, props • Fun (for yourself and the audience)
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• SCIENCE!!!• Conceptual progress• Big and visible experiments• INTERACTIVE - Use volunteers, this is not a
lecture! • Emotion, use voice, body, costumes, props • Fun (for yourself and the audience)
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Use everyday things to show the
visitors that Science is for everybody!
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
• Build excitement!
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Some important things to remember in your shows:
• SCIENCE!!!• Conceptual progress• Big and visible experiments• INTERACTIVE - Use volunteers, this is not a
lecture! • Emotion, use voice, body, costumes, props • Fun (for yourself and the audience)
Some other things to remember
Prepare the area before the show.Have all your equipment ready BUT:Don’t show all your props from the start. Surprise the audience as you go along!
Safety
Set a good example when working with chemicals.
Wear goggles and gloves where needed!
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
Caution: Dead spots…
Have an assistant, show a picture, play a video…but keep the show on the go!
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
All science shows should be works in progress
Always evaluate and improve“…mistakes are there to learn from!”
Picture: Irene Schoeman ©
This presentation was compiled by Irene Schoeman and is the property of Sci-Enza, University of Pretoria. You are welcome to use parts of or the whole presentation for training purposes at a Science Centre. This presentation should be used for non-profit generating purposes only.
References• Horak, R. and Nordhoff, H.I. (2006) From Wow to Aha. A Science show workshop workbook.
Sci-Enza, University of Pretoria
• Gore, M.M. and Stocklmayer, S.M. (2006) Design and Plan a Science Show. Australian National University