Course in Communicating Science Effectively
The Integration and Application Network teaches courses in communicating science effectively. We organize one course per year, usually in April, for any interested persons. We are also available to conduct in-house courses by arrangement.
Summary
Even excellent science only has an impact when it is effectively communicated.
Scientific papers in refereed journals are the currency of documenting the scientific process, however posters, PowerPoint presentations and the web are also essential for communicating new insights and current research to fellow scientists. These skills are readily applied to communicating at various levels – not only fellow scientists, but also resource managers and the broader community. This course provides participants with a science communication toolbox for effectively communicating their own data. At the end of the course, participants will have been introduced to the principles of effective science communication, used hands-on sessions to create their own science communication products, and been introduced to some of the software used in science communication.
Elements of science communication
Appropriate images and graphics are the basis of effective science communication, as they can support the spoken word or written text, justifying and reinforcing key messages. The first task in effective science communication is to collect resources including maps, satellite and local photographs, video footage, tables and figures.
Use and production of conceptual diagrams
The ability to capture main messages and concepts is the basis of effective communication. One tool that aids this process by clarifying thinking, is the production of conceptual diagrams. Conceptual diagrams can be used from ecosystem-scale processes down to detailed processes of nutrient dynamics. Participants will learn how to design and produce a conceptual diagram.
Applied principles of layout design
For posters and science newsletters, excessive text tends to turn the reader away, stopping an opportunity for effective communication. The principle of layout design is to focus on conceptual diagrams and other visual elements supported by extended explanatory legends to capture key messages. Participants will learn the skills to design their own science newsletters and posters.
Oral Presentations
Scientific conferences and other meetings are the forum for discussing the newest ideas and concepts. Therefore being able to communicate orally is essential, and effectively using PowerPoint can assist greatly in ensuring that an audience understands and retains key messages
Course Details
Dates:
16 -17 June, 2009
Venue:
Jacques Cousteau NERRS in New Jersey
Program:
Day 1: (9 am - 5 pm)
Conceptualization
- Lecture: Conceptual diagrams: A tool for science communication
- Activity: Conceptionary
- Exercise: Drawing conceptual diagrams
- Demonstration: Using Adobe Illustrator
Presentation
- Lecture: The art of science communication
- Activity: Title pursuit
- Exercise: Combining message and visuals
- Demonstration: Tools and tricks of PowerPoint
BBQ, 5pm-7pm (optional)
Day 2: (9 am - 5 pm)
Publication
- Lecture: Principles of layout design
- Activity: Jigsaw puzzle
- Exercise: Creating a storyboard
- Demonstration: Using Adobe InDesign
Mass Communication
- Lecture: Engaging the community
- Activity: Message box
- Exercise: Talking points
Accommodation:
You will be responsible for booking your own accommodation.
Participant Eligibility:
N/A
Register
Use this form to register for our science communication course.
* denotes required fields
Once you have registered, you will also need to pay for the course (at least one week before the course start date). After you complete your registration, you will have the option to pay online or send us a check. You will also receive a link to the payment system in your registration confirmation email so you can pay at a later date if you wish.
Requirements
Course participants MUST come to the course with their own computer with the following software already loaded and configured. If you have any problems please email ian@umces.edu
Computer Hardware
- Laptop with wireless internet
- Computer mouse (not laptop touchpad)
Computer Software
- PowerPoint 2000+ (Download Trial)
- Adobe Illustrator 10+ (Download Trial)
- Adobe Photoshop 6+ (Download Trial)
- Adobe In Design CS+ (Download Trial)
- IAN Symbol Libraries - The symbol libraries can be downloaded free from http://ian.umces.edu/symbols/
Make sure that you have properly installed and tested all these programs well before the course and contact us ian@umces.edu if you are having problems.
Science Communication Resources and Tutorials
There are a variety of tutorials and resources on the IAN conceptual diagrams webpage at http://ian.umces.edu/symbols/.
Students are REQUIRED to study all of the following resources on this page:
- Interactive Multimedia Tutorial for the symbol libraries (15 minutes)
- Newsletter, Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication
- PowerPoint presentation, Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication
The IAN website also maintains a page of links to various science communication resources at http://ian.umces.edu/scresources/
Choose potential topics and gather resources
Please come prepared with a variety of resources for working on a poster or newsletter.
- Photographs (e.g. your site, research techniques/methods, organisms)
- Satellite images of your study site
- Maps (in vector format, if possible)
- Data, including graphs and spreadsheets
Reviews
"This is a great class!"
"I though it was well conceived and well run. Obviously, a lot of thought and work had gone into it. Nice job on the part of all participants."
"I like the set-up of the course, in particular the linear way we went from idea or concept, to putting our thoughts on paper to actually using the software to achieve our vision."
"I'm constantly refering to the Science Communication Manual for what file type my pictures need to be in, and all kinds of other info....."
"....thank you very much, this course was extremely useful (I rank it as one of the most useful courses, if not the most useful course that I have taken in my graduate study)...."
"The course was excellent."
"The only bad thing about this course is now I am considered a guru among my lab and collaborators!"
"The instructor: student ratio was fantastic - this was the first course where I felt like I actually learned the basics about the software to make my ideas a reality.....Thanks for all of your help. It really was one of the best courses I have ever taken."
Resources
Course Handbook
Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements
This is a practical handbook on how to communicate science effectively: what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how to do it. It details techniques and principles for communicating in different media – desktop publishing (including posters and newsletters), presentations and websites.
Science Communication Resources / Links
A list of resources that we have found useful in all aspects of science communication, from principles through technical software help.
| Course Presentations | |
| Overview of science communication and integrated assessment: imparting knowledge, power and passion to effect change (Bill Dennison) |   |
| An Introduction to Effective Science Communication (Tim Carruthers) | |
| Introduction to integrated ecological assessment (Bill Dennison) | |
| Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for effective science communication (Tim Carruthers) | |
| Principles of effective science communication (Jane Thomas) | |
| The art of science communication: using PowerPoint effectively (Jane Hawkey) | |
| Integrated assessment principles (Bill Dennison) | |
Discussion Forum
Please visit our discussion forum for getting help and sharing ideas for all aspects of science communication and technical software assistance. If you have questions we will be monitoring these forums and will get back to you ASAP.
Image Library
Visit our Image Library to download photos and contribute your photos so we all have a resource for scientific photos of the Chesapeake region (be sure to read the Image Library Guide before posting).
Course Theme Song
'Science Communication' (music and lyrics by Dave Kimmel).