The Petri Dish

  • Due No Due Date
  • Points None

The Petri Dish - A Microbiology News Presentation

Overview:

In this assignment, your team will step into the role of microbiology news anchors, delivering an engaging 15-minute news presentation on recent developments in microbiology. Your audience is your peers, and your goal is to educate and entertain. Each presentation will be structured like a news segment, where each group member (or pair of members) will lead a portion of the "broadcast."

Objectives:

  • To research and present current, significant findings in microbiology.
  • To develop skills in public speaking and team collaboration.
  • To creatively communicate scientific information in an accessible way.
  • To minimize overlap/repetition, your group/group members should claim a topic using this spreadsheet Links to an external site.

Requirements:

  1. Length: 15 minutes total, with each group member responsible for leading a segment (3-5 minutes per member or pair).
  2. Content: Your segments should cover recent discoveries, ongoing research, or emerging trends in microbiology. Aim to include at least three distinct news topics.
  3. Roles: Each member must take on a speaking role. You have two options:
    • Present individually on a microbiology news topic.
    • Work in pairs to deliver a segment, using a role-play approach (e.g., an interview with a “scientist” or even with an “organism” relevant to your topic).
  4. Upload a copy of your presentation materials here

Creative Options:

  • Interview Format: Have one member act as a news anchor and the other as a “guest expert.” You could also choose to interview an “organism” relevant to your topic, using humor or storytelling to share key information.
  • Visual Aids: Use visuals, such as slides with images or short video clips, to make your segments more engaging. Feel free to include headlines, “field reports,” or live “cell-cam” footage (whatever that means).
  • Storytelling Elements: Consider opening with a “breaking news” headline to set up each segment or providing “live” updates from an imagined microbiology lab or the field.
  • Special Effects: Include sound effects, props, or costume pieces (e.g., lab coats, safety goggles) if they enhance the presentation and fit within your time frame.

Guidelines:

  1. Research Quality: Select reputable, recent sources such as academic journals, science news outlets, or trusted websites (e.g., Nature News, Science Daily).
  2. Accuracy: Ensure that the information you present is scientifically accurate and clearly explained.
  3. Engagement: Your aim is to captivate your audience. Think of ways to make complex information relatable and interesting.
  4. Participation: Each member must have a speaking part. Practicing transitions between segments will help keep the presentation smooth.
  5. Q&A Preparation: Be ready to answer a few questions from the class at the end.

Presentation Tips:

  • Practice timing: Make sure each segment stays within the allotted time to allow every member’s topic to be featured.
  • Keep it interactive: Use questions or polls for your “audience” to make it interactive.
  • Consider your “audience”: Avoid technical jargon or explain it briefly if necessary, so that everyone can follow along.
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