Fermilab Education Office: Classroom Presentations

Light helps us learn and explore our world! Students explore the phenomenon of light and how the waves and particles produce our colorful world.

NGSS DCIs addressed: 1-PS4.B; MS-PS4.A, B

Length of time: 40-55 minutes

Room preference: Double classroom or all-purpose room. Light and Color is best presented in a room that can be darkened and lights turned off and on. (Make plans by e-mail directly with your volunteer presenter.)

To help make a Light and Color presentation run smoothly, we ask the following:

1. Make sure the scientist has exact directions to your school and any parking and delivery information.
2. Please review basic concepts with the students before the presentation. They will understand more if they have these concepts fresh in mind. The classroom presentations are intended to enhance your classroom curriculum.
3. This presentation is designed for students in 2nd-8th grades. Please let the scientists know of any specific related learning objectives you wish to address.
4. The presentation is intended for one or two classes. It is most effective if there are no more than 50-60 students in the audience. We want students to be engaged. Questions are encouraged.
5. If you have scheduled multiple presentations, we request that we stay in the same room for all presentations. It is time consuming to move the set up from room to room. We would like 10-15 minutes between presentations if possible. Two presentations would be a maximum request.
6. Set up takes 30-40 minutes.
7. We will need one medium-sized table in the front of the room with an electrical outlet nearby. A whiteboard will make some demonstrations more effective.
8. Light and Color is best presented in a room that can be darkened and lights turned off and on.
9. Some presentations require AV equipment such as LCD or overhead projectors.
10. A wireless microphone and sound system may be helpful to ensure that everyone can hear.
11. Teachers and/or aides should remain with students to assist with student engagement and management while you all enjoy the presentation!