Universe Adventure YouTube Video Contest
We have as examples five videos prepared by student-teacher teams during a summer workshop at BCCP. Watch these videos for examples and see how the students did with very minimal preparation time.
Below each video are some critique comments from our local judges and students.
The Expanding Universe
The use of stop motion and animation is a creative way of showing principles. The explanation of a concept through using people was effective and entertaining.
It is nice to see groups of people involved in the explanation rather than individuals presenting bit by bit. Using groups is effective and cohesive.
Explanations of scientific concepts are thorough and clear.
needs to speak slower and more clearly. Speech tends to be rushed.
The Supernova Rap
The concept is creative, original and entertaining, making it fun and captivating to watch.
Presenting the principle in the form of a rap made it more tangible and accessible for young viewers. Keeping in mind the high school demographic this is targeted towards, students should be weary of dressing appropriately.
Further explanations of terms such as 'p-p chain' are needed as and when they are introduced. These explanations need to be scientific, but can be supplemented with the 'slang' vocabulary. The vocabulary list at the end helped explain many of these terms, however the amount of information being delivered at once is overwhelming.
The subtitles are a good idea; however words alone are not enough to describe a concept. There could have been more visual demonstration to aid the explanation. The delivery was strong during times when pictures were used.
The 'meter' is very fast, making it difficult to understand at times. The general pace at which people are speaking needs to be slower and more articulated.
The Big Bang
Effective use of music.
There are a lot of pictures and animations, which are mostly effective. However, other ways of demonstrating the principle need to be utilized. In certain instances, it is not clear what the images are trying to show.
Lacking in originality and presenting the concept in a 'second way' (see judging criteria) needs to be further focused on.
The animation at the end isn't narrated and doesn't have a clear purpose, making it drag or feel a little long.
Particle Party
The idea is very clever, original, and entertaining.
Because it is placed in the outside context of a party, there needs to be a clear link back to scientific principles using visuals or clearly defining terms scientifically.
The story line seems fragmented and abruptly cut. It is unclear what is happening at times.
Explanations are not provided for all the particles and these explanations need to be apparent and comprehensible.
Words need to be enunciated; it is often difficult to understand what the actors are saying.
Matter Antimatter Wars
Video is fun and entertaining to watch.
Spends too much time presenting solely text on a screen. Try to be both audibly and visually entertaining.
It can be difficult to tell who is who and which character is speaking during the skit because they all look the same. Try to vary the appearance so the viewer can differentiate characters.
Good analogy/second way of understanding concept.
It can be hard to hear the audio from the rustling of the paper bags. Using the puppets is creative and fun, but shouldn't distract from the explanation of scientific principles.
