Science Presentation

Assignment Overview:

Scientists often have to describe their research to lay audiences. They must find a way to quickly describe their research in an understandable and interesting manner. Similarly, Scientific American's popular radio program, 60 Second Science, brings a new scientific journal article to the public in one minute. Producers must find a way to condense the research article while making sure the minute is well organized, easily understood, and interesting to lay audiences. For the first assignment, we will replicate this radio program. First, you must find an interesting and recent science discovery from your field (or another area of science). Second, you must condense the information about the discovery into something that lay audiences will find interesting. Your task will be to present the discovery to a lay audience in a well-organized and interesting manner. You must capture and hold your audience's attention for the entire minute. You will also have to ensure that your presentation is cohesive and accurately represents the information you find. In addition to your one-minute presentation, you will also write an abstract based on the article you find.

Specific Requirements:

• Time limit: 55-90 seconds.
• Time penalties will be imposed for being under or over time.
• Base the speech on one recent and credible source. The source must be 2010 or after.
• Develop a short attention grabber and clincher.
• Develop a thesis statement that accurately summarizes the article.
• Develop two main points from the article. For example, you can focus on the research method and findings or the findings and implications. In other words, you want to tell a cohesive story of what the researchers did and what happened.
• Refined delivery: You may use one note card (3x5, written on ONE SIDE ONLY) for this presentation. Your delivery must be extemporaneous, which means practiced and prepared but not memorizedor read directly from the note card.
• A typed abstract will be due the class day before your presentation. The abstract must follow the criteria discussed on the following pages.The abstract and the presentation are not the same assignment and should contain different information.

Areas for Evaluation:

Your speech should meet the requirements of a properly presented speech.

A. Audience Analysis: Is this article interesting and relevant to this audience?

B. Organization: Was the audience able to follow along? Do they understand the research?

C. Refined delivery: Did you engage the audience? Were you extemporaneous?