Educational Displays
Educational Displays are unique in the 4-h communications program because they require no speaking. It uses the visual to convey your message, using pictures, text, and maybe even small objects. It can be done by one, two, or more members.
Educational displays benifit members by:
- Encouraging them to develop new ideas
- Helping them to communicate their ideas to others
- Allowing them to express their interests and ideas
- Promoting teamwork and cooperation
- Providing the opportunity to learn about visual design and the importance of good workmanship
Picking a Topic;
Educational displays need to convey their message in 30 seconds to 1 minute so it is important to pick a topic simple enough to get across in that time.
Remember the following tips when choosing a topic;
- Give your educational display a clear purpose and single focus
- Make sure your topic is something that a general audience will find interesting and will want to learn about.
- Choose something that you will be able to develop using both pictures and words.
- Identify the purpose of your display; arousing interset, seeking support, giving information, or promoting action.
Choosing a title
A title is one of the most important things in any display because it is the first thing people will look at. If the title is successful in capturing the spectators interest they will stop and read more. Your title should be short and catchy. if you make your title too long it won't attract spectators, and you may even have trouble fitting the words onto your display board.
Research
When researching the topic consider the following;
- Is the information from a reliable source?
- Could others verify the facts?
- Does this information relate specifically to your topic?
- Does this information add to and reinforce your message?
- How are you going to present this information on your display?
Lettering and Text;
Lettering and text are very important because most of your information will be conveyed to your audience through them reading the text on your display.
- Keep it simple, to much text will make it too long to read.
- Choose your words wisely so that your message is clear and understandable.
- Break up text into differnent sections, don't lump it all together.
- Use the same font throughout the display.
- Spelling and grammar are important.
- Keep in mind that CAPITAL letters are more forceful to read than lower case letters. ( CAPITAL - capital ). However, words may be easier to read if you only capitalize the first letter ( Capital - CAPITAL ).
- Use larger font size or bold text for titles and headings.
- The color of your lettering is also important. Use colors that contrast such as; dark blue on white, black on yellow, and green on white to make the text stand out.
Visuals;
Make sure all the visuals you use have some sort of unity between them. They should look like they belong together. Keep in mind details such as color, shape and size. All visuals should relate specifically to the main point and clearly enhance the display's message.
Things to keep in mind when preparing your layout;
- The eye will go naturally to the center panel, then to the left,and finally to the right; arrange materials accordingly.
- Include a center of interest, or focal point, on the center panel to convey the heart of your message. All other objects should be arranged aorund this focal point.
-Don't overcrowd your display. The more simple and less cluttered your display is the easier it will be for the viewer to see your message.
- Some empty space is good. Space can provide impact and allows you to highlight the most important information.
- Your display must include the 4-h logo and your club name.
Evaluation;
When your educational display is judged using the 4-h score card it will be evaluated in four areas;
- Subject and title
- Design and layout
- Workmanship
- Originality
You can expect to recieve a written set of comments from the judges on your display. View these comments as constructuve criticism that can help you improve your display for next time. Judges comments are designed to help make even the best better.
Educational displays benifit members by:
- Encouraging them to develop new ideas
- Helping them to communicate their ideas to others
- Allowing them to express their interests and ideas
- Promoting teamwork and cooperation
- Providing the opportunity to learn about visual design and the importance of good workmanship
Picking a Topic;
Educational displays need to convey their message in 30 seconds to 1 minute so it is important to pick a topic simple enough to get across in that time.
Remember the following tips when choosing a topic;
- Give your educational display a clear purpose and single focus
- Make sure your topic is something that a general audience will find interesting and will want to learn about.
- Choose something that you will be able to develop using both pictures and words.
- Identify the purpose of your display; arousing interset, seeking support, giving information, or promoting action.
Choosing a title
A title is one of the most important things in any display because it is the first thing people will look at. If the title is successful in capturing the spectators interest they will stop and read more. Your title should be short and catchy. if you make your title too long it won't attract spectators, and you may even have trouble fitting the words onto your display board.
Research
When researching the topic consider the following;
- Is the information from a reliable source?
- Could others verify the facts?
- Does this information relate specifically to your topic?
- Does this information add to and reinforce your message?
- How are you going to present this information on your display?
Lettering and Text;
Lettering and text are very important because most of your information will be conveyed to your audience through them reading the text on your display.
- Keep it simple, to much text will make it too long to read.
- Choose your words wisely so that your message is clear and understandable.
- Break up text into differnent sections, don't lump it all together.
- Use the same font throughout the display.
- Spelling and grammar are important.
- Keep in mind that CAPITAL letters are more forceful to read than lower case letters. ( CAPITAL - capital ). However, words may be easier to read if you only capitalize the first letter ( Capital - CAPITAL ).
- Use larger font size or bold text for titles and headings.
- The color of your lettering is also important. Use colors that contrast such as; dark blue on white, black on yellow, and green on white to make the text stand out.
Visuals;
Make sure all the visuals you use have some sort of unity between them. They should look like they belong together. Keep in mind details such as color, shape and size. All visuals should relate specifically to the main point and clearly enhance the display's message.
Things to keep in mind when preparing your layout;
- The eye will go naturally to the center panel, then to the left,and finally to the right; arrange materials accordingly.
- Include a center of interest, or focal point, on the center panel to convey the heart of your message. All other objects should be arranged aorund this focal point.
-Don't overcrowd your display. The more simple and less cluttered your display is the easier it will be for the viewer to see your message.
- Some empty space is good. Space can provide impact and allows you to highlight the most important information.
- Your display must include the 4-h logo and your club name.
Evaluation;
When your educational display is judged using the 4-h score card it will be evaluated in four areas;
- Subject and title
- Design and layout
- Workmanship
- Originality
You can expect to recieve a written set of comments from the judges on your display. View these comments as constructuve criticism that can help you improve your display for next time. Judges comments are designed to help make even the best better.