October 2005 ISSUE
HOW ONE ENGINEER SOARED
THROUGH CLASS PRESENTATION
You've been called upon by one of your children's teachers to make a science presentation. Can you pull it off? Sure you can - with a little help from the APEGGA Outreach Program.
BY JEANNE KEASCHUK
Senior Outreach Coordinator
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Good Job |
Have you ever been asked to talk to students about your career or invited to make a science presentation? Many of you have, but even if you have not, chances are that you will be asked in future.
Engineers and geoscientists are often called upon to share their science knowledge with students and to talk about their careers. Never decline the opportunity. You have much to share and your participation can be easy and very rewarding.
This article is about one engineer whose science presentation was a flying success. His presentation came together quickly and with relative ease because he capitalized on Outreach resources available to all APEGGA members.
His presentation was a hit with students, teachers and his own children. He left his audience with positive and memorable messages about his profession and a better understanding of science. This is his success story and it could also be yours.
Ross Plecash, P.Eng., is a proud parent of three daughters who, in June of 2005, were in grades 4, 6 and 9. Daughter Jennifer was in Grade 6 at George H. Luck School in Edmonton and studying air, aerodynamics and flight. Her teacher asked Mr. Plecash to make a presentation on these science topics to his class and to another Grade 6 class at the school.
What’s a parent to do? He accepted, of course.
Mr. Plecash is a mechanical engineer, but has never worked in the aeronautical industry. He is, however, APEGGA Director of Corporate & Member Affairs. He knows about the APEGGA Outreach Program and that member volunteers make many school science presentations. He also knows that APEGGA has developed kits to use in the classroom.
Mr. Plecash contacted Outreach, borrowed the air/flight kit, added a few more bells and whistles to the PowerPoint presentation, and headed off to school.
Teacher Robin Kramar, at George H. Luck School, had high praise for Mr. Plecash. “He
did an outstanding job. The presentation was excellent because he tied it to
the curriculum,” said Mr. Kramar.
“He had great visuals and models, and there was also a hands-on component.
He spoke about his own experiences and tied the science students learn to the
science used by engineers. I particularly liked that he pointed out the many
different disciplines of engineering involved in making planes. This presentation
was very valuable and the students were thrilled with it.”
Aly Roberts, a Grade 6 student who heard Mr. Plecash’s presentation, told her parents: “It was awesome! It was the most interesting thing about the whole unit.”
Jennifer and Leah Plecash proudly gave their dad 110 per cent on his presentation. Although Leah was in Grade 4, she was invited to join the Grade 6 class to hear her dad’s presentation. “I liked the flipping cars and paper planes,” said Leah.
Both girls agreed that, “Dad’s presentation was cool!”
“The presentations were a blast,” says Mr. Plecash. “The Outreach air/flight kit has great examples to show how science principles are applied every day. There is a good mix in the kit to grab the attention of students and keep them engaged.”
As his daughters have progressed through grade school, Mr. Plecash has made science presentations on electricity, magnetism and energy efficiency. He has judged science events and helped with field trips, and he is actively involved in the education of his children.
What advice does Mr. Plecash have for members making similar presen-tations? “Find out if there is an Outreach kit that you can use. Don’t underestimate your audience. Don’t talk down to students. Tap into your younger memories and the things that appeal to your inner child.
“Have fun with the presentation and with the students.”
MORE INFORMATION
Visit www.apega.ca
780-426-3990 in Edmonton
403-262-7714 in Calgary
1-800-661-7020 toll free