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Judges’ Comments ~ Posters and Creative Writing ~2007

What an enjoyable though challenging job it was this year judging the TSTS posters. The number of poster entries was up by 50% and creative writing entries were about 200% up on 2006! The Antarctic theme has obviously been very popular with students and teachers alike.

Likewise the standard has generally shown a satisfying improvement. It is pleasing to see that many teachers have taken note of the Judges Comments from last year displayed on our website. This year I will put up photos of some of the best posters on the website and I suggest you encourage your students to evaluate their work against these whilst also referring to the rubric below for self-evaluation of their work.  You might like to use this next year as your students work on their entries to ensure they are on track.

POSTERS

Interpretation of the theme: scientific concept

(see Infostream newsletter  No. 1, TSTS website, for previously-suggested ideas. This will help with ideas for Photographic Essays and Computer Presentations too).)

“Antarctica.. really cool science” allowed a range of related topics to be portrayed e.g. global warming, icecap melting, food webs, over fishing, range of scientist professions involved in Antarctic research, ozone depletion (NOTE: this is NOT the same as greenhouse gases!), International Antarctic treaty, human degradation of environment, adaptations of wildlife..

Generally, “Penguin” or “Iceberg” posters were not considered highly unless strongly linked to a specific concept to show relevance to the topic.

Posters which may have beautifully-portrayed endangered species, but did not relate why their survival was in question (eg. simply “Save the Penguins”) were judged down as the relevance to a specific concept was not strong.

It is quite evident which teachers use TSTS as a learning outcome (culminating performance), having brainstormed ideas and discussed the concepts involved so that students have moved on to deeper and wider understanding. This degree of teacher involvement is to be encouraged: “celebrating creative teaching and learning”.

Presentation:

Care with printing of the slogan. Computer-generated lettering is fine, especially for young students. Students should be encouraged to take great care with lettering as this often grabs the viewer’s attention first. Correct spelling in slogans is essential. It is not necessary for a slogan to rhyme. Too much emphasis on this can be trite e.g. “Penguins are nice: they sit on the ice”.  Lettering should be large, bold and clear. Cut out lettering must be carefully stuck on.

A poster is NOT an essay. Keep written information to a minimum.

Bold, strong colours are best for maximum visual impact.

Sticking the poster to a contrasting backing-sheet gives added strength as well as highlight.

Use of colour.

Use maximum size allowable (A2 ) The year A1 was allowed as I incorrectly mentioned that in last year’s comments. A2 is maximum for display purposes. Very small posters have lesser impact.

Some winning entries will be posted on the STAT website soon.

Rubric for Poster Evaluation:

You may wish to make this more child friendly by using simpler language.

CREATIVE WRITING

Acrostic Poems (each line starting with the first letter of theme e.g. ANTARCTICA  …can be visually and conceptually impressive, however each line should have a strong connection to the specific scientific concept of the theme, which should develop through a series of connected images or ideas. Otherwise unconnected lines can appear trivial. **Proof-reading is essential** Poor spelling, and unthinking use of spell check (would/ wood, know/ no..) distracts greatly from the impact of the message.

Many students illustrated their work with background or surrounding pictures in soft tones so as not to conflict with the written words but subtly add to the atmosphere. Some teachers laminated their entries giving a very professional look of which the students would feel very proud.

Some interesting, different slants on the topic were taken (e.g. personifying penguins and their extreme life survival needs, relationships and food chains between animals, expressing concern about global warming implications and possible strategies we can use to mitigate the problem.

Impact is greatly enhanced by finishing with specific reference back to the topic. Graphic decoration of the sheet can give extra impact also.