Some Penguin Problems by Dr. Kate Biberdorf

Author:Dr. Kate Biberdorf [Biberdorf, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2021-09-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Present Your Point

Scientific Presentation (noun). This is when scientists go to conferences and communicate their findings. Usually, this is done by giving a presentation with a visual slideshow. It’s always a good idea to know how to present or persuade others of your position. As a kid, sometimes you need to present the reasons why you absolutely need that new rock polisher or chemistry set.

“YOU’RE GOING TO WORK on your presentations today in class,” said Mrs. Eberlin. It was Tuesday, three days before we were supposed to go on the field trip. “I want you all to have your research done before we even cross our state line. Think about how much better your experience will be when you finally meet your animal at the aquarium.”

“You mean if we meet our animal at the aquarium,” said Memito. Earlier that morning he had shared the good news about his grandma being able to go. “We’re still one chaperone short though.”

“After school, I’m going to talk to the principal and figure this out,” said Mrs. Eberlin.

I could feel eyes on me. And my face became beet red. You’d think I’d get used to hearing teachers and kids mention the principal. But I never do. It always makes me feel a little awkward and uncomfortable.

“We can solve this,” said Mrs. Eberlin. “Now let’s focus back on your presentations. You’ve all been working so hard on your research, I can’t wait to hear all of the information you’ve gathered.”

I tried to be happy about focusing on my sea lion talk. After all, it’s important for me to practice giving oral presentations. Since that’s what scientists often do when they go to conferences. I tried to focus on how lucky I was to get to work on my very own presentation.

But as Mrs. Eberlin passed out our Chromebooks, I kept on worrying about the field trip.

Usually, everyone gets really excited whenever we get to work on something cool like slides. But today, everyone was sluggish and slow. I guess they were as worried as me.

“Oh, I wanted to say something about the photographs for your presentations,” said Mrs. Eberlin. “It’s okay to cut and paste them on your slides. But you can only use Creative Commons images. I’ll show you how to do that in a moment. However, I would encourage all of you to consider making original drawings as well.”

“I’m definitely making drawings,” said Birdie.

“Same with me,” said Julia. “I want to make my penguins magenta. I think that will look cute.”

Magenta. There were no such things as magenta penguins.

“Violet would be good too,” Julia said.

“Penguins are black and white,” I said quietly. “It helps disguise them from predators when they’re swimming. Although some also have yellow, orange, and slate blue colors. But not magenta.”

“But magenta is cheerful,” said Julia, “and it sounds good too. Purple penguins.” She smiled.

“It’s not scientifically accurate,” I explained. Was she serious? Yes, they have orange beaks and cute yellow tufts on their heads, but nowhere on planet Earth are there magenta penguins.

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