ScienceMakers Toolkit Manual - The History Makers

How we choose the winner:
The video oral history contest entries will be judged by a panel including The HistoryMakers Executive
Director, the Science Producer, representatives from each of the featured science centers (3-4 individuals), and
a professional science association member and scientist (from the ScienceMakers Advisory Board). In order
for your video to be judged, you must do each of the following:
1. Choose a ScienceMaker from the collection (either to impersonate or use as inspiration).
2. Tell what about the ScienceMaker inspired you.
3. Tell what scientifi c fi eld you have chosen.
4. Describe how you became a successful scientist.
5. Mention what accomplishments you have made.
6. Use your creativity and imagination!
7. Include a clear visual demonstration of anything in the scientifi c fi eld you have chosen.
Okay, what do I win?
The winning video from each year of the contest will be featured on the ScienceMakers website, YouTube,
and Teacher Tube. It will be shown at a public event at each of the ScienceMakers featured science centers.
The winner will be showcased at this event, and depending on the winner’s hometown, he or she will either
attend the public event or participate in a ScienceMakers videoconference to talk about the story of the winning
video! The top three videos will also be featured on a ScienceMakers Video Oral History Contest DVD,
and cash prizes of $300 (fi rst place), $200 (second place), and $100 will be awarded. Travel is not necessary in
order to win.
How long do I have?
The video oral history contest will be held in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Each year, entries must be sent to us in the
fall from October 1 through December 19. Judging will occur from December 19 through January 15. All valid
entries will be judged by the Judging Panel (described above). Winners will be notifi ed and winning videos
posted on the website by January 31 of each year.
How do I make a quality video?
• Sound is the most important part of any video. If we can’t hear you, we can’t judge your video!
• Make a schedule and “cast list” for your video shoot. What day will you write the script? Make the costumes?
Set up the scenery? When will you practice? Who will be the cameraperson? Who will inter view
you?
• When shooting your video, make sure the camera isn’t too far away. Look at the ScienceMakers DVD for
good examples of a close-up face shot.
• Test out your equipment before shooting.
• Try out different shooting angles and see what looks best.
• Special effects and animation are welcome if you have experience with them, but don’t go overboard!
Make sure that the special effects don’t overpower the scientifi c and biographical content of your video.
• Pay attention to lighting. If we can’t see you, we can’t judge you, either! Don’t shoot your video into a
light source or in front of windows.
• We invite background music, but it should not be so loud or distracting that it detracts from the content
of your video. Background music must be appropriate. No curse words or otherwise inappropriate language
is permitted from the contestant or from the background music.
• Film at eye level, unless you have a special effect in mind.
213
YouTube
Contest