Scientists and engineers can use demonstrations during presentations to engage the students.
Engineering and science cover many specialties from designing car engines or analyzing earthquakes to evaluating a new pharmaceutical chemical. Scientists and engineers often give talks at schools about their specialty. Most school talks require that the presenter focus on a single topic, which they must explain in a way that the children can visualize and understand, regardless of their age, experience or interest. Therefore, visual aids and demonstrations as well as the speaker's word choice and mannerisms all play a part in the success of the presentation.
Presentation Materials and Display
Science and engineering are difficult to talk about without visual aids. As you prepare your talk, be sure to create presentation materials that describe your topic, such as colorful diagrams and maps that the children can look at while you talk. For example, a geologist who is discussing a fascinating rock outcrop may hand out colored geologic maps and photos of the rock outcrop, or even pieces of the rock for the students to pass around or keep. Visual aids help children remember what they hear and help them to become engaged in the presentation. Tailor your materials and displays to the children's age. Elementary-aged kids may respond to cartoon-like drawings while high school students are often mature enough to read an actual engineering diagram.
Oral Presentation Etiquette
Presentation skills go beyond what you say and include the words you use and your demeanor during the presentation. To engage school children and get them interested in your topic, you must speak with enthusiasm and have animated movements. You should practice your presentation, especially if you do not often speak to schools. You must speak loudly and clearly, stand up straight, do not chew gum, and keep your hands out of your pockets. Engage your audience by speaking to and looking directly at them. Allow the students to ask questions as you talk to help them understand your topic. Practice in front of colleagues and children, if possible, and ask for feedback. If your presentation is boring, children will believe that being an engineer or scientist is boring as well.
Demonstrations and Experiments
Perform demonstrations and experiments during your talk to reinforce ideas and to keep the children interested. If the group is small, allow the students to help you with the experiments. For example, a chemist who is talking about solutions may show the students create salt crystals from a saturated solution. You can also give the students a handout to take home with a list of related, safe experiments that they can try on their own.
Use Age-Appropriate Language and Explanations
As you prepare your talk, consider the age and experience level of the students. A presentation to a classroom of third graders will be much different from lecturing to a group of high school or college science or engineering majors. Prepare your presentation materials, experiments, and even your word choices with the age and knowledge level of the students in mind. If possible, ask the children's teacher what they have been discussing in class that may relate to your topic and ask for their input on the appropriateness of your materials and topic. Regardless of the student's ages, you must use words that they understand and a presentation method that engages and inspires their love of science and engineering.
For example, if you talk about identify a fault in a rock outcrop, you can present the topic to young students as if they are detectives going on a mission to find the fault and figure out which way the rocks moved. For older children, you can present the information as an experiment by having them help you determine a hypothesis, perform data evaluation, and come to a conclusion.
