What Teachers (and Students) Want From a Classroom Speaker

Author: Darci Ramirez; Published: Feb 15, 2010; Category: Classroom presentations; Tags: Children, Earth Science Week, Education, Energy4me, eWeek, School, SPE, Speaker, Student, Teacher; Comments: Be the first

Speaking to a classroom of kids is fun, beneficial— and maybe a bit intimidating! But petroleum engineers who are giving a guest presentation to students can make their experience a lot easier by learning in advance what teachers—and students— are looking for.

Start by researching your audience. If you’re talking to younger kids (ages 5-12), make sure you keep your topics at a level they can understand. Next, plan the details of your presentation: You’ll want to be interactive, offer personal information about your career and other careers in the oil and gas field, and explain how petroleum engineers make an impact on the world. Add a “wow” factor by incorporating fun, hands-on activities or doing a show and tell with a “Magic Suitcase” (stocked with oil and gas items like set well cement or hydrocarbon sample kits)!  Don’t forget to work out the logistics of your visit: where you should park, whether you have to check in at the front office, how much time you’ll have to speak and what subjects the students are currently focused on.

Most importantly, have fun with your presentation! Teachers know that guest speakers who are excited and engaging are much more likely to make an impression on students—and that’s what they’re looking for!

And, of course, visit Energy4me’s SPE Volunteer section for even more handy tips, downloadable kits and information about how you can have a free educational book sent to the school you’re visiting!