What exactly happens when the temperature of water drops below the freezing point? (Do you think everyone knows?) What does a little wind-up gadget remind you of? (Do you think everyone would have the same answer?) As science communication instructor on this Glaciology Summer School in Alaska, I presented these kinds of questions, among others, during the continuation of my science communication workshops. My goal for this session was to have everyone identify the main points of their research that are the most important for the public to understand, and then to lead them through the process of developing a concept for a hands-on activity, related to their research, that could be led in a science museum or classroom. The activity could be anything from a demonstration to multi-person game play to a problem-solving challenge.
It’s not easy. When you know or understand something well, it’s sometimes hard to know where to “aim” your descriptions when talking to someone who is not a fellow scientist in your field. But think about how much difference it could make, if any time you met a scientist in an elevator, on an airplane, or in a classroom, if you (adult or child), walked away with a little bit more understanding, or better yet, perhaps even inspiration to learn more.
Leading up to our exercise time when our student scientists would be developing their activity concepts, I had them “draw their research” to really get them to narrow down their thoughts to a simple picture. Paper and colorful markers seem to autompatically make things more simplified, and more fun. Here are some of their drawings, and check back to see what activities they came up with!
This post goes to show the power of visual explanations. The key is simplicity, and not getting hung up on drawing each item “right.” You don’t have to be an art-school grad to use these powerful techniques. great examples- I could figure out what each of the diagrams was trying to explain!
Exactly John! I will let the scientists know that an art-school grad appreciated their artwork, and, more importantly, that their meanings got across!