Present Your Research Plan

Empatico offers an exciting opportunity for educators to connect their classrooms with other classes around the world. These cross-cultural experiences enable students to share their stories, explore different perspectives, and make new friends in another community.

1. Each class should decide in advance how to present their research plan to their partner class and collaborating scientist. Classes are encouraged to plan their presentations in advance to make the most of the available time.
   
   For example, each class might select representatives to present different sections of their research plan by screen-sharing one of the following artifacts:
   • Prepared slides
   • ArcGIS StoryMap
   • Research Plan document
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2. Establish and share communication norms for the virtual exchange, such as:
   • Keep yourself on “mute” (unless you are talking) to limit background noise, and raise your hand when you want to speak.
   • When it’s your turn to speak, come close to the device, say your comment or question loudly and clearly, and remain at the camera to hear your partner classmate’s response. Start by saying your name (e.g., “Hi, my name is ___. My question is...).
   • Listen attentively to the speaker and use hand signals (e.g., thumbs-up, “me too” signal, etc.) to indicate agreement or similarities.
   • Make sure that others have a chance to speak during the exchange.
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3. Ask students to share additional ideas for how they will show respect to their partner class and collaborating GLOBE scientist, and consider leading a practice session so students can practice these strategies and imagine having a fun, positive interaction with your partner class.
   
   For more tips on setting up your classroom for a virtual exchange, please visit this resource.

Facilitate the virtual exchange using Empatico’s built-in Zoom integration, or the video tool that you previously selected, and follow the suggested exchange structure below:
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1. Start the video call by greeting your partner educator and collaborating scientist. Then, facilitate an introduction between students in both classes and the scientist. You might have them introduce themselves, and share about their class grade, school, location, and/or a fun fact about their community. Then, ask the scientist to introduce themselves.
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2. Provide space for both classes to present their research plans to their partner class and collaborating scientist. Encourage behaviors that show respect and other strengths, like empathy, thoughtfulness, and humility, such as students sharing something they liked about each other’s research plan. A suggested presentation breakdown is included below for a 40-minute virtual exchange (teachers can adapt based on available class time):
   • 5 minutes: Class A introduction
   • 5 minutes: Class B introduction
   • 5 minutes: Scientist introduction
   • 7 minutes: Class A presents their research plan 
   • 3 minutes: Questions, feedback, and comments for Class A
   • 7 minutes: Class B presents their research plan 
   • 3 minutes: Questions, feedback, and comments for Class B
   • 5 minutes: Closing questions and comments
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3. Invite students to take turns asking the questions that they prepared for their partner class and/or scientist.
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4. End the exchange by asking students to thank their partner class and collaborating scientist for sharing a part of their day with them, and for the opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Then, students can say “goodbye” and express excitement for meeting again during your next virtual exchange together!