How to Succeed on the Poster Project (title font size = 24 pt) How to Succeed on the Poster Project (title font size = 24 pt) Sarah Vonhof, Marisa Murdock, and Amanda Klein (authors font size = 16 pt) Course Title and Date Presented (font size = 12 pt) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY Introduction (12 pt; text in 11 pt) This poster describes the poster option of the Research & Analysis project in Western Civ and in Natural Resources in American History. This sample (or template) is meant to provide more detail about the expectations, guidelines, grading criteria and resources for students to succeed. Here is the syllabus description: 1 “If you choose this project, you will select a topic, research at least five (5) scholarly sources, and compose an interesting and engaging poster. You will turn in an 11” x 17” poster (smaller than the standard format size), and a bibliography The poster will cover both the description and analysis of your topic. First, you will have to briefly describe the basic “who” or “what”: the person, event, philosophy, work, discovery. Second you will explain why the person or event or thing is relevant to American environmental history or Western civilization—what the influence or legacy is. This second part, the analysis, should be the focus of the poster and more thorough. Finally, you should illustrate your poster with appropriate graphics, such as maps, charts, timelines, or pictures. The bibliography documents your research process and efforts. The requirements are the same as they are for the Presentation bibliography.” Formatting Tips Below are a few basic tips for formatting. Note the text font sizes throughout this poster Format Autoshape allows you to set the internal margins for a text box For tighter text, format Line spacing at 1 with 0.0 lines before and after paragraphs Sometimes full justification (aligning text to margins on both sides) works better than borders. It can, however, stretch sentences out so that there are huge spaces between words which looks bad. Borders are extremely difficult to line up exactly, and often appear to look right and print differently. Turn off AutoFit for title and body text sizes: AutoCorrect Options-Auto Format As You Type What will you produce and turn in? On the due date, you will turn in the following: One (1) copy of an 11’x17” poster A bibliography of every source consulted in proper format. The minimum requirement is five scholarly sources. Citation guides and a sample bibliography are available on the course web site. Conclusion This is your opportunity to personalize the course and develop and hone valuable research, and communication skills. Be creative and have fun with this assignment Here are some things to think about as you research, prepare, and perfect your poster: Is your poster interesting and relevant (that is “why should anyone care to read it?”) Have you clearly and fully described the topic / event / issue? Is your analysis critical and relevant? Are the implications or consequences clearly linked? Is the design interesting? If you were at a conference, would people be drawn to your poster? Would they read it all the way through or get bored or confused? Lastly,! Remember that the teaching team is always there to help. Good luck ! What are the Grading Criteria? Presentation Design 25% –Well written, organized, professional, creative, engaging Research 20% –Bibliography in proper format, requisite scholarly research Coverage of Topic 25% –Informative, thorough description, clearly delineated topic Analysis 30% –Relevant, critical, and thorough The detailed grading sheets are available on the course website. Notes and/or References (10 pt; references in 9 pt) 1 Vonhof, Sarah FOR 203 Western Civilization and the Environment and FOR 204 Natural Resources in American History Syllabi. Syracuse: SUNY-ESF. 2 Instructional Technology Services, SUNY-ESF. Syracuse, NY: SUNY-ESF. >>> Be sure your citations are in proper format! There are links on citations from the General Directions page of the course website, which is accessible from the home page. >>> You must have at least five (5) scholarly sources (= books, journal articles). Websites do not count as scholarly sources. Do not use Wikipedia as a reference. Reminders for graphics Include a citation if you have taken an image from the web Include a caption Label figures (e.g., “Figure 1” or “Table 1”) when appropriate. You do not have to label picture images (but you need to cite the source.) Include a reference for any data or graphs (you must do this manually using font superscript for the numbers) Check the resolution of the image– it may not print well in larger format. Figure 1. ITS Poster Design, Development and Production Resources and Course Website Resources www. MicroSoft.Clipart.com Updated: Spring 2011 There are many helpful hints online at ITS. There is a Large Format Printing Information Resource and Guide, which is a narrated / animated Presentation and other tips for poster design, development and production. 2 In addition, you might find it beneficial to check out the posters along the first floor corridor in Baker to see more examples. Finally, consult the syllabus and course website.