Scientific Concept Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan your poster. Refer to the Scientific Concept Reference Sheet for accurate details and the Color Theory Guide for visual ideas.

1. Choose Your Concept

What scientific concept will you illustrate on your poster? Examples: photosynthesis, Newton’s laws, cell mitosis, sound waves, etc.
Concept Name: ____________________________________________

2. Research & Definition

In your own words, write a brief definition of your concept and list its key components or steps.

Definition:

Key Components or Steps:

2. ____________________________________________




3. ____________________________________________

3. Important Terms & Definitions

Identify three important terms related to your concept and define each.

1. Term: _______________________ Definition: ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   
2. Term: _______________________ Definition: ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   
3. Term: _______________________ Definition: ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   

4. Visual Planning (Thumbnail Sketch)

On your scrap paper, draw a small sketch of your poster layout. Below, describe where each element will go.

• Title Placement: ____________________________
• Main Image Area: ____________________________
• Caption/Annotation Zones: ____________________________
• Color Highlights: ____________________________
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. Color Theory Integration

How will you use color to draw attention to key parts of your poster? Reference the Color Theory Guide.

6. Captions & Annotations

Write two concise captions (1–2 sentences each) that you will place next to important visuals on your poster.

Caption 1:







Caption 2:

7. Balancing Text and Images

Explain how you will balance text and images to make your poster clear, engaging, and easy to read.

Scientific Concept Reference Sheet

Use this sheet for quick, accurate definitions and simple visuals of common science topics. Refer back as you plan your poster.

Photosynthesis

Definition: Process by which green plants use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

Key Steps:

1. Light absorption by chlorophyll in chloroplasts
2. Conversion of light energy into chemical energy (ATP & NADPH)
3. Synthesis of glucose and release of O₂

Visual Hint: Draw a leaf cross-section showing a sun arrow → chloroplast → glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + O₂ release.

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Definition: Three fundamental rules describing how forces affect an object’s motion.

• 1st Law (Inertia): Objects remain at rest or move at constant speed unless acted on by a force.
• 2nd Law (F=ma): The acceleration of an object depends on the net force acting on it and its mass.
• 3rd Law (Action–Reaction): For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Visual Hint: Sketch a block on a surface with arrows showing applied force and reaction force.

Cell Mitosis

Definition: A type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from one parent cell.

Stages:

1. Prophase: Chromosomes condense.
2. Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the cell’s center.
3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate to opposite poles.
4. Telophase & Cytokinesis: Nuclear membranes reform; cell splits.

Visual Hint: Draw four small circles in sequence showing chromosome alignment and separation.

Sound Waves

Definition: Vibrations that travel through air (or other media) as patterns of high and low pressure.

Characteristics:

• Frequency: Number of wave cycles per second (pitch).
• Amplitude: Height of the wave (loudness).
• Wavelength: Distance between successive crests.

Visual Hint: Sketch a sine wave, label crest (high pressure), trough (low pressure), and wavelength.

Tips for Your Poster

• Choose a clear, concise concept from above or research a related topic.
• Combine art & science: Use bold visuals and accurate labels.
• Balance text & imagery: Let your diagrams speak as loudly as your captions.
• Apply color theory: Highlight key parts with contrasting or complementary colors (Color Theory Guide).

For planning support, use the Scientific Concept Worksheet.

Color Theory Guide

Understanding how colors interact can make your poster pop and guide your viewer’s eye to the most important information. Use this guide to choose effective color combinations and highlight key parts of your science poster.

1. The Color Wheel Basics

• Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue – the building blocks of all other colors.
• Secondary Colors: Green, Orange, Purple – made by mixing two primaries.
• Tertiary Colors: Red–Orange, Yellow–Green, Blue–Violet, etc.

Visualize these on a circle: primary colors evenly spaced, secondaries between their two primaries, and tertiaries between each primary and secondary.

2. Common Color Schemes

• Complementary (opposites on the wheel): e.g., Blue & Orange. High contrast—great for highlighting titles or important facts.

• Analogous (neighbors on the wheel): e.g., Blue, Blue–Green, Green. Harmonious and soothing—useful for background gradients or supporting details.

• Triadic (three evenly spaced colors): e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue. Balanced yet vibrant—ideal for drawing attention without overwhelming.

• Split-Complementary: A base color plus the two adjacent to its complement. Offers contrast with less tension than direct complements.

3. Contrast & Legibility

• High Contrast: Dark text on a light background (or vice versa) ensures readability. Use for captions and key labels.
• Low Contrast: Subtle shifts in hue or value—use sparingly for background elements or secondary information.

Tip: Test your poster by squinting at a distance—if text and shapes remain clear, your contrast is strong.

4. Color & Mood

• Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow): Energetic, exciting, attention-grabbing. Perfect for showing heat, action, or warnings.
• Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple): Calm, scientific, soothing. Great for natural processes (photosynthesis) or technical diagrams.

Choose a mood that fits your concept. For photosynthesis, cool greens highlight plant themes; for Newton’s laws, bold reds can illustrate force and motion.

5. Highlighting Strategies

1. Accent Color: Pick one bright color (e.g., red or orange) to emphasize your title or main graphic.
2. Neutral Backgrounds: Use whites, grays, or soft pastels so accent colors stand out.
3. Color Blocks: Surround key facts or data with a colored shape to draw the eye.
4. Consistent Palette: Limit to 3–5 colors total to avoid visual clutter.

6. Putting It All Together

1. Select your primary and secondary colors from a chosen scheme.
2. Assign roles: one for backgrounds, one for text, one for accents.
3. Check readability: text must pop against its background.
4. Use your accent color sparingly to guide viewers to the most important elements.

Now you’re ready to bring your science poster to life! Combine accurate information from the Scientific Concept Reference Sheet with these color techniques to craft a clear, compelling visual presentation.