HHS 130, History of Science and Technology
Keys for Delivering a Succcessful Oral Report

Oral reports should contain the following components:

1. Chronology and Geography: locate your subject within a specific time and place.

2. Significance. This is the most important part of your presentation.
First, why is your subject significant? Does it relate solely to scientific or technological history? Or does it play a role in religious, social, cultural, or political development?
Second, for whom is it significant? Was it significant to people at the time, or is it significant primarily to observers in the twenty-first century?
Third, how has its significance changed over time?

In sum: why should we care?

3. Sources. What sources did you use to learn about your topic, and why did you find those sources trustworthy? Students are required to meet with me prior to their presentation so that we can review sources. In some cases I will recommend specific sources.

4. Images, objects, or any other props to complement your report are appreciated, especially if they help us understand the significance of your topic.

5. Concept. Each report should contain a one-paragraph summary of a concept that the class should remember. You should submit this paragraph to me in writing at the beginning of the class. This concept will then go into the pool of concepts that may appear on the midterm and/or final exam.