Decide the three most important findings your audience needs. Focus on answering the investigation question, highlighting patterns, and noting reliability.
Check: Can you summarise your main message in one sentence?
Flowchart
Great science communication turns data into a story. Follow these steps.
1) Select the key messages
2) Choose the right format
Use tables for raw data, graphs for trends, diagrams for setups, and paragraphs/voiceover to explain what the evidence means. Combine formats for maximum clarity.
Check: Does each format help the audience understand something specific?
3) Tailor to your audience
Use formal language and precise vocabulary for teachers/examiners, but simpler words and analogies for families or younger pupils. Always explain technical terms.
Check: Would your chosen audience understand every term and figure?
4) Rehearse and refine
Check spelling, axis labels, and sequencing. Practise speaking aloud, timing yourself, and anticipating questions about your evidence.
Check: Have you proofread or rehearsed before presenting?
Explanation
Components of a strong presentation
- Introduction: Question, prediction, and method summary.
- Evidence display: Tables, graphs, diagrams.
- Analysis: Explain patterns using scientific vocabulary.
- Reliability: Mention repeats, anomalies, and improvements.
- Conclusion + next steps: Link back to the question and suggest future work.
Communication modes
- Written reports: Use subheadings, bullet lists, and embedded graphs.
- Posters: Combine diagrams and short text with clear hierarchy.
- Oral presentations: Speak clearly, make eye contact, and point to the data you’re referencing.
- Digital media: Slides or videos can include animations or recorded explanations.
Key Vocabulary
- Audience: The people you are communicating with.
- Key message: The main idea you want others to remember.
- Visual aid: Diagrams, graphs, or props that support your explanation.
- Structure: The order of information you present.
- Rehearse: Practise delivering your findings to improve clarity.
Why presentation matters
Scientists must share discoveries so others can learn, critique, and build on them. Clear presentation makes your work memorable and persuasive, and it gives credit to your team’s effort.
Examples
Example 1: Lab report
Write a structured report with headings (Aim, Method, Results, Conclusion). Insert your graph under “Results” and refer to it in the text.
Example 2: Poster session
Create an A2 poster with a bold title, diagrams of the apparatus, bullet-point findings, and a QR code linking to your video explanation.
Example 3: Assembly talk
Deliver a 3-minute talk to Year 4 pupils explaining how you reduced plastic waste. Use props (a filled recycling bag) and simple comparisons (“That’s the weight of a baby panda!”).
Example 4: Digital infographic
Use a tablet app to combine icons, charts, and short captions summarising your data. Share via the class learning platform.
Practice
Answer all questions, then check your answers. Your quiz result is saved on this device.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Overloading slides
× Wrong: Paragraphs of text in size 8 font.
? Right: Use short bullet points and speak the rest.
Mistake 2: Unclear visuals
× Wrong: Blurry photos or unlabeled graphs.
? Right: Ensure every visual has a caption, labels, and readable text.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the audience
× Wrong: Using technical terms with younger pupils without explanation.
? Right: Adapt your language and provide analogies or definitions.
Mistake 4: Reading word-for-word
× Wrong: Staring at the script and reading monotone.
? Right: Practise speaking naturally, using cue cards and pointing at evidence.
Summary
- Identify the key messages your audience must remember.
- Combine visuals (tables, graphs, diagrams) with clear explanations.
- Adjust vocabulary and tone for different audiences.
- Proofread and rehearse to ensure accuracy and confidence.
- Invite questions and cite your evidence during the presentation.
Skills Checklist
- I can select the best format to present my data.
- I can create visuals with labels, titles, and captions.
- I can adapt my explanation for different audiences.
- I can use voice and body language to present confidently.