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- Organize a Workshop
----- Steps
----- Agendas
----- Modules
----- Handouts



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Organize a Workshop | Steps | Agendas | Modules | Handouts

• Identify participants
  • In-Touch Science has been used in 4-H clubs, scout troops, after school programs, camps, school classrooms, Girls Inc. affiliates, fairs, science centers, and community science clubs. Remember to speak with administrators and supervisors as well as potential participants.
• Develop agenda
  • Select an agenda on this website, use the modules to build an agenda, or develop your own agenda with input from potential participants.
• Set date and hours
  • Consider holidays, school schedules, and local events when deciding the workshop time.
• Choose location
  • The location should have plenty of work space. Tables for 10 persons are ideal. Additional tables are needed for supplies, publications, and audio-visual equipment. Some activities require access to water, stoves, or dark rooms. Avoid carpeted floors. Note location of electrical outlets. Check for fire alarms if doing Fibers & Animals Session 5. Remember to ask if the facility will be available for 1-2 hours before and after the workshop to allow for set up and clean up.
• Reserve audio-visual equipment
  • Many In-Touch Science facilitators use transparencies with an overhead projector and screen (or white wall). You may download text and images from this website to make transparencies, PowerPoint presentations, or other visuals.
• Determine cost
  • Supplies for 10 participants to do 10 activities costs about $200. Participants can work in pairs to reduce costs. Remember to include other costs such as room rental, childcare, publications, photocopying, mailings, and refreshments. Decide what cost your agency will cover and what fee you will charge participants.
• Publicize event
  • Publicity depends on your audience. One phone call might set up a teacher workshop or you may try newspaper ads, flyers, electronic mailing lists, etc. Provide workshop description, registration form, agenda, and cost.
• Assemble supplies
  • Gather the supplies listed for each activity. You may purchase teaching kits or buy items locally. You can also ask participants to contribute items such as newspapers, coffee cans, and flashlights. Allow plenty of time for items that you order by mail. Be prepared for extra participants.
• Practice activities
  • Even if you have done the activities before, practice them with the supplies you have. The confidence of your participants depends on your confidence as a leader.
• Train assistants
  • Extra hands are always welcome for greeting participants, cleaning up spills, circulating handouts, and capturing "I wonder" statements. If the workshop has more than 10 persons, you definitely need a second table and a second facilitator. Whatever the role of your helpers, make certain that they understand their responsibilities.
• Gather publications/handouts
  • You may purchase In-Touch Science publications or you may photocopy activities from a manual that you already own. Other handouts are available for printing from this website.
• Display other resources
  • Workshops are enhanced by displaying related items such as mail order catalogs, science books, photos from past workshops, etc.
• Arrange refreshments
  • Lunch or snacks provide a chance for further discussion and a chance to relax and refuel. Food and beverage can be provided, charged as part of the registration fee, or the participants can bring something to share.
• Set up workshop
  • Protect tables with plastic coverings. Locate trash cans near work area. Prepare solutions or mixtures. Place supplies on tables or in easy-to-reach location. Have publications and handouts ready. Check that audio-visual equipment is working.
• Engage participants
  • Confirm registration via mail, email, or telephone prior to the workshop. Include maps and information about parking, emergency phone, clothing, and area points of interest. Provide name tags. Ask participants to supply contact information when they sign in. Lead off with an ice breaker and personal introductions. Lead discussions and activities. AgDraw quiet people into the group. Allow time for exploration, sharing, and questions. Remember to record "I wonder" statements. Be flexible.
• Clean up
  • Wash, dry, and pack reusable supplies. List supplies that were consumed so they can be replaced. Gather extra publications and handouts for later use. File participant list. If possible, mail copy to In-Touch Science, Cornell University, MVR 239, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401 to contribute to the national evaluation. Wipe tables and return to original formation if time allows.
• Follow up with Participants
  • Contact participants to thank them for attending and to answer any questions they have. Remind participants to complete evaluation forms at back of publication when they lead In-Touch Science with children. Those forms are a record of their efforts. They can receive free supplies if they mail five or more evaluation forms to In-Touch Science, Cornell University, MVR 239, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.