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