How to Succeed on the NRAH Poster Project (font size = 24 pt)

Sarah Vonhof, Marisa Murdock, and Amanda Klein (font size = 16 pt)

Course Title and Date Submitted (font size = 12 pt) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY

Introduction (14 pt; text in 11 pt)

This poster describes the poster option of the Research & Analysis project for 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

“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.” 1

You will also compile a bibliography, which will document your research efforts.

Formatting Tips

There are many helpful hints online at ESF’s Instructional Technology Services web site, where you can view a presentation on Large Format Printing Information Resource and Guide (See Figure 1).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.

Below are a few basic tips.

o Note the text font sizes throughout this poster. However, also note that resulting font sizes may be different for different font types. [Century Gothic 11, Arial 11, American Typewriter 11, Rockwell 11, Bernard 11 ]. Most importantly, be sure your font sizes are consistent. It is helpful to turn off auto-fit or auto-format.

o It is a good design technique to choose one font for titles and sub-titles, and another for text. Too many different fonts are distracting and unprofessional. (So are too many colors).

o Format your line spacing a 1.0 with 0.0 lines before and after paragraphs. This gives you the ability to control “white space” between titles and text, and between paragraphs.

o Choose a background and theme and color scheme that captures or accentuates your topic. Print a draft to see how color choices , images, and fonts actually print. It is often significantly different than what you see on the computer screen.

o While you are composing, it is helpful to copy your draft to a number of slides so that you can compare various designs, colors, or font styles. This way, you can include all of your ideas for potential content– images, timelines, graphics– and then compare and choose those you like best or those that best fit together.

What will you turn in?

On the due date, you will turn in the following:

• One (1) printed poster on 17”x11” paper• One (1) bibliography on 8.5”x11” paper

Citation guides and a sample bibliography are available on the course web site.

Conclusion

This is your opportunity to personalize the course 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?• Have you clearly and fully described the topic?• Is your analysis critical and relevant? Are the implications or consequences clearly linked to American environmental history?

Do not wait to start working on this project. Poster composition is an iterative process, and requires a lot of time not only for research and writing, but for design, editing, and printing.

Lastly, Remember that the teaching team is always there to help.

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 rubric is available on the course web site.

Notes and/or References (12 pt; references in 10 pt)

1 Vonhof, Sarah. 2011. 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. http://www.esf.edu/its/html/training_consult.htm).

>>> Be sure your citations are in proper format. You may use footnotes or parenthetical formats, but you must follow an established style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago).

Tips for Images & Graphics

For basic pictures, such as maps of paintings, include the web url alongside the image.

Label any graphics– such as figures or tables– by number and refer to them in your text. You must cite your sources for any graphics you have reproduced.

If you have compiled your own graphic or timeline, state “compiled by author based on ___[the sources you consulted]____.”

When you use images you can re-color them or work with transparency to better blend them with your design scheme. (The course web page image was made 25% transparent, and the ITS web page was re-colored to a light accent color.)

Also try using soft edges for text boxes.

Figure 1. ITS and Course Website Resources

Updated:

Spring 2013

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