Here is a summary of information that should be helpful to those who want to participate in the WISDOM Homeschooling Science and Technology events:
The event is NOT a competition. There will be no ‘judges’ and there are no prizes. Rather, this is an opportunity for a student or family to summarize their course of study in an area of science and/or technology. No one should feel as though someone else has a ‘better’ topic. Rather, this is an opportunity to share YOUR learning with others. Thereby, everyone can benefit by being exposed to a greater variety of topics that might not be achievable on one’s own.
This is an opportunity for students to display (and present, if they wish) a topic of choice – a favorite topic. This should be an enjoyable experience. The first time may bring some anxiety because you may be moving out of your comfort zone. Yet, when viewed as part of the educational experience, most students find the experience very rewarding!
Primary grade students (grades 1 through 6) should get lots of help from mom and dad in the selecting, development and construction of their display and its related components.
Secondary grade students (grades 7 through 12) should be encouraged to pick their own topic and to display mastery of the subject matter. Particularly for grades 10 through 12, the students should make use of scientific methods, lab-style reporting and giving credit to the information sources that were used. While mom and dad may help, more independent work should be done by the older students.
Focus on what you have learned. Keep it simple or get as complex as you like! Then focus on sharing your learning with others – and learning from them also.
Students should display an understanding of WHY their topic is useful, helpful, important or interesting.
The event is not the goal. Understanding and expressing your learning – with excellence – is the goal. The event is merely a venue in which to make such an expression. The expression can be very simple or very complex.
Always place emphasis on safety when displaying and using gadgets that support your topic.
Don’t forget to have fun! You are welcome to display and present more than one topic.
Notes for displays
Arrive 1/2 to 1 hour early so you can set up in time for the start of the event. Please let your facilitator or the event leader know that you are bringing a display, so they can arrange a table for you.
More helpful hints
Make titles and text in large print so that they can be seen and read from a reasonable (arm’s length) distance. Keep the information that you are displaying clear and to-the-point. Use a simple display structure such as a 2’x 4’ corrugated plastic board to mount information on.
For those of you who like a few more specific directions:
Choose and study a topic or subject. Take all the important aspects of your topic of study and compile them into a concise but understandable display. List and describe the main points.
Practice printing and spelling, along with illustrational art or descriptive drawings – all done manually – as you build your display board layout. Then add some supporting display exhibit items that can be interacted with. Please avoid using electronic devices that could lead to entertainment activities rather than learning activities. The younger students may practice explaining their work from memory. The middle students may write a 500 word report that can be delivered as an oral presentation, pointing to their display work. The older students are encouraged to deliver a 500 word oral report and are encouraged to use scientific methodology, supporting calculations and references in their work.
Please note that these are ALL DAY events. Therefore, we ask that you bring your own lunch to the event. (Those who ‘go out to eat’ end up missing a lot of opportunities that occur during their lunch-time absence.) Also, please bring snacks for your children, and a few extra snacks that you can share with others. (This will help your children avoid a hunger crash as the day’s activities increase during the afternoon.)
Questions? Please feel free to contact Georg at: