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| EGEE
Grids for Kids: recipe for ensuring a great day |
The “Grids
for Kids” initiative gives children the opportunity to learn about
the Grid and to see the Grid environment in action. First held
in January 2007, we have now completed several successful events.
Holding your own “Grids for Kids” event has never been more rewarding.
You will need
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kids aged 9 to 12 |
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teachers
(for discipline, safety and follow-up) |
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enthusiastic presenters (one or two) |
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computers
connected to the Internet (enough for one between three
kids) |
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a room complete with chairs and a projector |
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a blackboard or whiteboard |
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sufficient
pens and packets of post-it notes |
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certificates
with students’ names |
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Grids for kids resources |
Optional seasoning
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a fun
venue to tour (computer center, experiment site) and some
guides |
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goody
bags (gadgets, pens, post-it notes, etc) |
Preparation
| 1) |
Brief
your teachers and presenters as to the day’s format and
schedule |
| 2) |
Ask
teachers to complete and return a “Photography Permission Slip” for
each child (only required if you intend to photograph or
publish photographs of the children) [see Resources below] |
| 3) |
Photocopy
sufficient copies of the follow up quiz. Send one copy
(complete with answers) to teachers in advance [see Resources below] |
| 4) |
Prepare
children’s certificates, complete with their names [see
Resources below] |
| 5) |
Bookmark the games pages on each
of the computers |
Schedule
| 1) |
Arrival (20
minutes): Meet up at reception, escort bus into
venue. Seat children for presentations |
| 2) |
“What
is the Grid?” presentation (30
minutes) [see Resources below] |
| 3) |
“Cyber
security” presentation (15 minutes) [see Resources below] |
| 4) |
Internet
games (30 minutes):
Explain the first game before seating the children at
their computers. Aim for three children per computer
and at least one adult for every two computers. Introduce
one game at a time. Challenge the teams to better their
times or improve their performance |
| 5) |
(Optional):
Tour of venue (30 minutes): If you have a large group or insufficient computers,
half of the group can tour the venue while the other
half play games. The halves can then swap activities
after 30 minutes |
| 6) |
Feedback
and wrap up (30 minutes): Make sure you have sufficient pens and post-it
notes. [see Resources below] |
Hot tips
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Allow
ten minutes for groups to move between activities and
have toilet breaks |
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It
is nice to include a “lunchtime” where the children eat
packed lunches and can run around a little |
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We
highly encourage the involvement of women in such events
as this emphasizes
to children that Grid Computing provides rewarding careers
for women |
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Why not broadcast
your success by generating a little media attention? We
have a model media release available for just such an occasion.
[see Resources below] |
Add your own spice
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Remember:
these are just guidelines that have worked for us in
the past.
We encourage you to experiment and to add your own personal
touch to the day. Just let us know what works… |
Measure your success
Please
let us know if you’re holding a Grids
for Kids event. We’d love to know how you go and to hear your
feedback. We’ll be measuring:
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the
number of partners replicating this event in their home
institutes |
| b) |
the
number of children participating in events, and |
| c) |
the
impact that these days have on the children participating |
Media coverage
Want to see what other events have looked like?
Check out this coverage of Grids for Kids events so far:
Resources
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