Publications for IAN Symbol Libraries

IAN is committed to producing practical, user-centered communications that foster a better understanding of science and enable readers to pursue new opportunities in research, education, and environmental problem-solving. Our publications synthesize scientific findings using effective science communication techniques.

Conceptual Diagrams (Page 1)

Conceptual Diagrams

Tracey Saxby, Nicole Lehmer, Jane Thomas, Jane Hawkey, Adrian Jones, Bill Dennison ·
21 July 2016

This newsletter details the use of symbols as a visual language. Symbols are useful for depicting unequivocal messages that transcend cultures, languages and times. The use of symbols to construct conceptual diagrams ('thought drawings') can be an effective tool for science communication and problem solving. Conceptual diagrams help to clarify thinking and provide a communication interface between scientists and non-scientists.

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Explaining our catchment (Page 1)

Explaining our catchment

31 January 2012

Conceptual diagrams are science communication tools that aim to communicate complex ideas about systems and processes in a simple, visual way. This education resource prepared by the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, through their "Water: Learn it for Life" program, provides teachers with a detailed lesson plans to take their students through the story of a river to identify the positive and negative features that most influence the health of the waterway.

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Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication (Page 1)

Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication

Adrian Jones, Tracey Saxby ·
1 August 2003

This newsletter details the use of symbols as a visual language. Symbols are useful for depicting unequivocal messages that transcend cultures, languages and times. The use of symbols to contruct conceptual diagrams ('thought drawings') can be an effective tool for science communication and problem solving. Conceptual diagrams help to clarify thinking and provide a communication interface between scientists and non-scientists.

Read more