Science Communication
Updated for the online workshop format.
Participants in this workshop will work to improve their science communication skills through interactive activities that can in turn be incorporated into geoscience curriculum. We will explore general communication skills relevant to all communication channels as well as specific subjects such as social media, contentious topics, and networking. You will leave this workshop with personal goals for applying these skills as well as a plan for incorporating communications training into your classroom or event. (No classroom experience necessary.)
All workshops will take place online, via Zoom (unless otherwise noted). Participants will be sent links to the Zoom room and connection info will be posted below prior to the session start.
Session Connection Info
This session has already taken place.
Overview
Scientists are regularly asked to share their research in informal settings during their careers: a classroom, a museum, a science center, a library, a public conference, an online lecture or Q&A. But engaging the audiences to really understand sometimes complex notions does not necessarily comes naturally. Gaining some insight and tools from Informal Science Education (ISE) experts will help you better communicate science with a people of all ages and backgrounds. This short course will introduce you to these tools using the Portal to the Public ( This site may be offline. ) program, as well as materials developed by the conveners. All materials will be available to participants after the course to use with their own students or in their own public outreach.
This course will cover general communications skills that help us to communicate more effectively (bonus: they're not only applicable in communicating science!). The course will also address specific topics such as social media, trust, combatting misinformation, and navigating contentious conversations, which have proven to be of interest to participants of past short courses run by the conveners.
Audience
This workshop is designed for any educator interested in more effectively communicating science to broad audiences and/or teaching students to do the same. Even seasoned communicators and lecturers will find something new to strengthen their skills and shift their perspective on reaching and connecting with different audiences.
Goals
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- communicate science more effectively to multiple audiences
- lead science communication training in their classrooms using a suite of tested activities
Format
Each day will include interactive learning and practice based on homework assignments that will allow us to jump right in once online. The first day focuses on experiential learning activities addressing general communications skills. The second day shifts to specific communication channels and topics, with a focus on digital media and current events.