(Computer) Scientist Spotlight

The purpose of this assignment is to showcase diversity in computer science. Diversity comes in many forms.

You will do some research on a scientist that you identify with. This person must have made a contribution to computing (theoretical, software development, inventor, etc.). The scientist can be from the past (Charles Babbage’s analytic engine was created in 1822!) or present. All students will present different scientists.

There are many scientists to chose from, which are impossible to all list here. I encourage you to do some digging first to pick one. But, if you’re not sure where to start, here are just a few ideas of potential scientists (and at least one contribution to computing).

Presentation

Nearly each lecture day, one student will present at the beginning of class. I will give the first presentation on Ada Lovelace to give you an idea of what I’m expecting. You will have an opportunity to select in advance which day you want to present. You are expected to obtain instructor approval for your scientist, to be ready to present on your presentation day, to submit your slides to Moodle the Friday before your presentation.

Construct a 1.5 - 2 minute (90 - 120 second) presentation which contains the following:

I suggest you practice/rehearse your presentation several times before your presentation day. Be sure it falls within the alotted time.

How to submit

  1. Sign up for your timeslot in class. Only 1 student will present per day. Each scientist must be unique (no duplicates). You must have instructor approval for your scientist.

  2. Submit your slides to Moodle the Friday before your presentation. I will bring up your presentation on my computer for you to present from. Be prepared to present immediately as class begins on your presentation day. I will not remind you of your presentation day, so write it in your calendar.

Grading

Briefly introduce yourself, then introduce your scientist. You will be graded based on the following rubric. Common reasons for missing points include: speaking too softly, having too much or not enough information on the slides, difficulty reading the slides based on color/font choices (do not use dark backgrounds), or reading directly from notes/slides rather than maintaining a connection with the audience.