At the college level, a research poster typically consists of a digital file you make that is then printed out on a large piece of paper (typically 48 inches wide by 36 inches tall). It's then attached to a cardboard the same size and displayed on an easel. (No glue sticks or trips to the craft store required!) For UP3RC, posters submitted through your faculty sponsor are printed for you for free. If you want to print your own poster, they typically cost at least $20.
Sometimes, you'll be able to present a digital poster. But for most projects at SLCC, paper posters are used.
You'll present the basic, most important information from your research. In the sciences, this may include the steps of the scientific method (i.e. background, methods, results, discussion). In the humanities and social sciences, this may include arranging your information by a theme (i.e. background, events, current situation, future outlook; introduction, thesis, evidence, conclusion; etc.). If you are also writing a paper on the same topic, consider what the big picture details are and try to incorporate them on your poster using fun visuals.
You do not want the poster to be all text if you can help it!
During a poster presentation, people will walk through a room with many posters on display. You'll stand near your poster and answer questions or provide a short (2 minute) overview of the information on your poster.
More information is available on the UP3RC website (including poster templates!). If you choose to share your poster with the library, visit the library student research poster display link below.
