KS3: Who works at the Museum?          

Scientist

You will be part of a group of Museum scientists who have travelled to a conference to make a group presentation. You will present the topic, ‘How we find out about biodiversity’.

Planning

Download the Powerpoint file below to find out more about why scientists write and present scientific papers. It includes a template for a science conference poster.

Download science poster guidelines and templates MS POWERPOINT (1.0 MB)

Here are the things a good science poster needs:

• an introduction (make sure you explain any new words)
• background to the project
• data or diagrams to illustrate your points
• information in succinct paragraphs
• images
• conclusion - emphasise the importance of this work
• references - say where you get your information from

Task: write notes to help you collect evidence on your way around the self-led Cocoon tour.

Next step: Cocoon information

Radio reporter

You will need to gather evidence so that you can present a radio show called Discovery! about the latest science at the Natural History Museum.

Radio shows often invite guests to talk about their work. You and a partner will take the roles of a presenter and a scientist who is being interviewed.

The presenter should ask questions that will interest listeners.

The scientist will explain what they study and why it is important for understanding biodiversity. They may also talk about their recent move to the Darwin Centre.

Planning

Download the radio script template to help plan your show:

Download radio script template

Here are the things a radio report needs:

• introduction
• narrative - answer what, where, when, why, how?
• debate (this is optional)
• sound effects
• musical introduction
• acknowledgements.

Task: write notes about the information you will need to gather as you go around the self-led Cocoon tour.

Audience

Think about who your audience is. Are they your age or older?

What kind of radio station is your show for? Radio 1? Local radio? Think about what the listeners are interested in and what sort of language is appropriate.

Next step: Cocoon information

TV news reporter

News reporters need to find out about the latest developments in science. You will interview one of your classmates who has taken on the role of a scientist. Ask them about their research.and the move to the Darwin Centre.

Planning

Download the Powerpoint file below to find out more about how news reports are organised, and to get a template for your report.

Download TV news guidelines and template

If you're working in a group, you can each play one of the following roles:

• reporter - introduces and interviews scientist
• scientist - explains their research to the reporter
• news presenter - introduces the reporter
• photographer/image gatherer
• news researcher - researches background information for the reporter.

Here are some things a news report needs:

• introduction
• narrative - what, where, when, why, how
• images
• subtitles
• interview (could be more than 1)
• credits

Task: make a list before your trip to the Museum of all the information you will need to collect when you are there.

Audience

You need to think about who your audience are. Is the show: for your age group? Older? Younger?

Why not present to a real audience and let them ask questions after? Ask your teacher to help you arrange people to listen and watch your presentation.

Next step: Cocoon information