EQUIPMENT NEEDS
DAVID SCHWARTZ’S ASSEMBLIES AND WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
Equipment needs depend on which presentation(s) I’m doing at your school. Except as noted, I will need the items below for all presentations. Once I review your proposed schedule of my time at the school, I will help you fine-tune the equipment list if necessary.
Special Note for Schools Located Outside of the United States in Countries with 220-240V AC Power (Europe, Africa, Asia): My equipment and AC adapters are for the 110-120V current found in the USA, but some devices can handle current up to 240 V. I will probably need a transformer to step down your current to the110-120V my equipment requires. If you do not have a transformer, please discuss it with me as soon as possible.
Microphone and PA System: I usually need amplification. I bring my own wireless headset microphone in order to walk around and have my hands free for props, books, computer, etc. However, my microphone system must be used in conjunction with a PA system provided by the school (built-in or portable). It will plug into the standard 3-hole/3-pin or 1/4-inch microphone receptacles in use worldwide. (Unless your system is antiquated, there should not be compatibility issues. Please check in advance.)
Rectangular Table: I would like to use one table, roughly five or six feet long. I place books and props on the table while I speak. Round tables don’t work well for me. (Exception: two tables or one longer table might be needed if there is no cart available for my computer and projector; see below.)
Cart for computer and projector: A wheeled cart about four feet high works well but is not essential. A lower cart will work but can cause back strain, so I prefer a higher one, but carts five feet and higher, intended for TVs, are too high for me to operate the computer and often block the audience’s view of the screen. In a pinch, a table will work. Most carts are large enough for both computer and projector (with some distance between for air circulation) but some smaller carts cannot accommodate both, in which case I will need to use two.
Portable Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board: I use it only for middle school assembly programs and for writing and math workshops. I do not use it for the featured assembly program given to elementary groups (at elementary schools, this is usually the only program I give). For middle school assembly programs, I need a board about five feet long or longer. Putting two smaller boards together doesn’t work well for my purposes. For writing and math workshops, I can be more flexible with size.
Screen and Lighting: I will project images from my computer and projector but I need a screen provided by the school. The larger the screen, the better. It should be behind the area where I will stand. Permanently installed screens are large, but sometimes they are in a location that receives too much light or is not at the front of the hall. For this reason, I sometimes use a portable screen instead of a pull-down screen so that I can position it in the most suitable place. If you have both a fixed screen and a portable screen, it may prove helpful to have the portable screen available in case I need it.
For projected images to be seen well, the screen should be positioned in a dark area. The room does not have to be darkened completely (a very dark room is not desirable) but light that shines directly on the screen will wash out images. It might be desirable to cover some windows or remove some light bulbs. Because I alternate between projecting images and focusing the audience’s attention on myself (and my props), it can be very difficult to use a room with lights that have a long delay when they come on. Many gymnasiums have such lights. If you have questions about the lighting, please test a school projector in the presentation space and try to determine if the image is bright enough to be seen well. If not, is it possible to turn off the section of lights nearest to the screen? Is there an alternative space for the presentation? My talks are highly dependent on the projection of images as I speak.
Extension cords and power strip. These items can be very useful; please have at least one of each on hand.
Globe I often refer to a globe in my presentations, especially to older elementary and secondary school groups. I use it only briefly, and there is no need for concern if it is out of date. I prefer a globe that is easily lifted. A standard classroom globe (12-inch diameter) is fine. (Note: classroom and library globes are sometimes covered with dust; I would appreciate if someone could swipe it clean with a cloth so I don’t start sneezing as soon as I pick it up and inhale a cloud of dust!)
Beverages and snacks (optional) I am most grateful if you can provide a bottle of water that can be closed with a cap (not water in a cup, which can spill on my equipment) and a small container of juice, ripe fruit or other healthy snack. People often ask what kind of juice. All kinds are fine, including apple, orange, grape, grapefruit, etc. I do not like juice-cocktails, juice-drinks or other sweetened beverages.
For further information:
David M. Schwartz
tel (510) 339-6778
million@pobox.com www.davidschwartz.com