Science Communication Course Home - Integration and Application Network

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.

good graphics example

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.

good layout example

example powerpoint

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:

20 - 22 April, 2010

Cost:

2-day course ($400)
additional 1-day course ($100)
$500 total for complete 3 day course

Venue:

Horn Point Laboratory
2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD

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

Day 3: (9 am - 5 pm) (OPTIONAL)
Integration

Lecture: Introduction and principles of integrated assessment
Activity: Making the grade
Exercise: Making a report card
Demonstration: Examples of applying science effectively

Accommodation:

You will be responsible for booking your own accommodation. Some local options you may like to consider.

Days Inn
410-228-4444

Holiday Inn Express
1 800 288 4595

Participant Eligibility:

Anyone is welcome to take this course, however we do have a limit of 20 students and preference will be given to UMCES/MEES graduate students.

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.

*Please select the course you wish to register for:

*Course Components: (to take the additional 1 day course on its own, you must have attended a past science communication course)

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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).

Course in Communicating Science Effectively