Science Communication

Laura Bowater has recently been awarded a Public and Community Engagement Award from CUE (Community University Engagement) East, the Beacon of Excellence in the Eastern region.Kay Yeoman's work has been recognized by a nomination for the Royal Society Kohn Award in 2008 and also a Public and Community Engagement Award from CUE East the Beacon of Excellence in the Eastern Region.

“This book is an effective manual of how scientists can – and should – engage with the public.”  (Watershed Sentinel, 1 July 2013)“The book is easy to read and contains many references and consulting it will improve any science communication event.”  (TCE Today.com, 1 November 2013)“If you want to know more about the history of science communication, how it fits with your day job, or about other people’s experiences then this book will be of value. It is written in an academic style with references to further reading throughout. . . I would recommend this book as an introduction to sci-com.”  (Microbiology Today, 30 August 2013)“Science Communication – A practical guide for scientists will be an invaluable resource for any scientist wishing to develop their scientific career by starting to engage in science communication or for those who already have experience in science communication and wish to refresh their skills.”  (Nutrition Bulletin, 1 June  2013)

• About the Authors ixAbout the Contributors xiForeword xixPrologue xxiAcknowledgements xxiii1 A Guide to Science Communication 11.1 Introduction 11.2 The Influence of Science Societies, Charities and Organisations 21.3 Modern Societies and Organisations 71.4 Science Communication as a Discipline 71.5 Phases of Science Communication 91.6 Recent Initiatives 181.7 A Way Forward 19References 192 Scientists Communicating with the Public 232.1 Introduction 232.2 What does ‘Science and Society’ mean for Scientists? The Changing Environment 232.3 Are Academics Involved in Public Engagement? 342.4 What is the Current Level of Science Communication by Scientists? 392.5 Concluding Remarks 43References 44Useful Websites 453 Encouraging Scientists to Communicate with the Public 463.1 Introduction 463.2 Science Communication: the Barriers 483.3 Removing Barriers and Providing Incentives 523.4 Seeking Advice and Support 633.5 Embedding PE in Your Job 673.6 Personal Benefits and Benefits to the Wider Society 70References 724 Communication, Learning and Writing 744.1 Communication Theories 744.2 Learning and Learning Theory 754.3 Learning Theory Frameworks 774.4 Constructivism and How it Applies to Science Communication Events 774.5 Learning Styles 784.6 Model of Family Centred Learning 834.7 Successful Scientific Writing for the Public 854.8 Concluding Remarks 91Recommended Additional Reading for Writing for the Public 91References 915 Monitoring and Evaluating your Event or Activity 935.1 Introduction 935.2 Key Stages in Undertaking an Engagement Project 945.3 Monitoring and Evaluating 975.4 Undertaking Evaluation 1005.5 Interviews 1075.6 Focus Groups 1085.7 Observational Research 1095.8 Deciding Which Evaluation Tools to Use for Your Project 1095.9 Analysing the Results 1135.10 Reporting the Results 1175.11 Assessing Impact 1185.12 Ethical Issues Associated with Evaluation Projects 119Other Useful Resources and References 1196 Getting Started with Public Science Communication 1216.1 Introduction 1216.2 Understanding Your Audience 1236.3 Taking Your First Steps 1366.4 Planning Your Own Event or Activity 1366.5 How to Design Hooks for Your Event or Activity 1436.6 Designing a Science Communication Activity 1456.7 Consider Your Resources – Consumables Equipment Expertise and People (CEEP) 1486.8 How to Get Your Project Funded 1496.9 Top Tips for Successful Marketing 1586.10 Health and Safety 1596.11 Concluding Remarks 164References 1647 Direct Public Communication 1667.1 Introduction 1667.2 Direct Communication Delivering Information 1667.3 Information through Conversation 1827.4 A Focus on Policymakers 2097.5 Concluding Remarks 225References 2258 Indirect Public Communication 2278.1 Introduction 2278.2 A Focus on Science and Television 2278.3 A Focus on Radio and Science 2328.4 A Focus on Newspapers 2358.5 A Focus on Science and Writing 2388.6 A Focus on Science Advocacy 2448.7 A Focus on Citizen Science 2458.8 Public Involvement in Health Research 2598.9 A Focus on Web 2.0 Tools and Services 2618.10 Concluding Remarks 274References 2749 Getting Started with Science Communication in Schools 2779.1 Introduction 2779.2 School Science Education and Scientific Literacy 2789.3 A Skills Shortage in Science 2809.4 Attitudes and Knowledge of Young People about Science 2809.5 The Importance of Extra-curricular Science to Achievement 2849.6 Getting Started with Science Communication in Schools 2859.7 Think about your Resources, Consumables and Equipment 3029.8 School Years and Qualifications 3029.9 Concluding Remarks 305References 305Useful Websites 30610 Demonstrating Interactions between Scientists and Schools 30710.1 Introduction 30710.2 Enhancing the Curriculum within the School Environment 30810.3 Developing Cross-Curricular Activities for Primary and Secondary Schools 32910.4 Enhancing the Curriculum with Activities with a School Audience but Outside the School Environment 33310.5 Influencing Curriculum Change 33710.6 Embedding Scientists into Schools 33810.7 Training Teachers 34310.8 Concluding Remarks 344References 344Epilogue 347Abbreviations and Acronyms 349Index 351