 |
|
|
|
 |
A question of practice |
|
The following information is taken from Expérimentez
l'Expo-sciences created by the Conseil du loisir scientifique
in partnership with Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. and the ministère
de la Culture et des Communications du Québec.
Experiments are judged largely on criteria related
to the analysis and the discussion. Focus on the scientific method,
since the value of your experiment lies in your method. All the steps
are important, but keep in mind that you don't have all day to present
your project.
 Make
good use of your time
Briefly discuss how you developed the idea for your project (it will
put the judge immediately at ease). Do a quick overview of your experiment;
you don't have to go into specific details. Your presentation should
focus primarily on the experimental process, the analysis and the
significance of your experiment. If necessary, you can go back to
the actual experimenting. If you had to start over and over in different
ways, you can mention it, but don't dwell on it. The judge isn't there
to feel sorry for you.
If the judge has no questions, try to involve him or her by asking
a question or by having him or her anticipate the next step. Test
his or her understanding. The more you pay attention to your judge,
the better your presentation will be. Focus on his or her participation.
Try not to be too friendly or pretentious. Finding an appropriate
middle ground will help you develop the best rapport with the judges.
One
last bit of advice
Pay special attention to the visual elements of your presentation.
Although this may not be the most important evaluation component,
it is an important element as far as comprehension and presentation
are concerned. If you're not convinced, conduct the following tiny
experiment. Tell a friend about a bit of gossip without revealing
who it is about or what actually happened. You will quickly realize
that a picture is worth a thousand words. A judge will more readily
understand a graph or an illustration than a lengthy explanation.
Remember, with only 20 to 30 minutes, you have to make every minute
count.
If you have time left over, discuss the topic with your judge and
allow him or her to ask questions. If the judge has no questions and
leaves early, don't worry about it and use the extra time to rest
before the next judge arrives. Better to end five minutes early than
to run out of time.
|
© 2002, Conseil de développement du loisir scientifique
(CDLS). This document is distributed by the Conseil de développement
du loisir scientifique.
For more information, visit our Web site at www.cdls.qc.ca. |
The opinions
expressed in this section are those of the authors and do not
necessarily
reflect the opinions of Merck Frosst or its employees. |
|
| |
|
