What Do Pug Farts Have to Do with Zombie Sheep? Mastering the Principles of Effective Research Poster Design

Abstract

“What Do Pug Farts Have to Do with Zombie Sheep?  Mastering the Principles of Effective Research Poster Design” is a POGIL learning-cycle activity designed for undergraduate science courses and undergraduate research programs such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs and course-based undergraduate research experiences.  This activity capitalizes on three engaging model posters designed by Rhianna Pedwell, James Hardy, and Susan Rowland (Pedwell, R. K.;  Hardy, J. A.; Rowland, S. L., Effective Visual Design and Communication Practices for Research Posters: Exemplars Based on the Theory and Practice of Multimedia Learning and Rhetoric. Biochem. Mol. Biol. Educ. 2017, 45 (3), 249-261.  https://doi.org/10.1002/bmb.21034) that illustrate the importance of fundamental design principles in creating effective research posters.  The exercise first explores the critical content and then moves to a consideration of the relative layout of this information and the important role of graphics.  Students apply and hone their understanding through a critical evaluation of one of the three model posters.  After completing the activity, students will know how to design effective research posters. 

Level: lower to senior-level college
Setting: classroom or laboratory
Activity Type: learning cycle
Discipline: science
Course: any course using research posters to present rese
Keywords: posters, undergraduate research, effective design principles