Moving from why we communicate to improving how we do it
In this article in the journal Natural Sciences Education, faculty from Kansas State University describe a watercolor training assignment that enhanced undergraduate ornithology students’ ability to identify several species of waterfowl.
Image: screenshot from the book’s website Looking for inspiration for how to communicate about the complex topics you study or work to share? We recently came across a graphic novel that might give you ideas. From the publisher: “Do you know what your brain is made of? How does memory function? What is a neuronRead more about Resource of the Week: Neurocomic (visual scicomm, inspiration)[…]
In the spirit of expanding the reach and of science communication and engagement conversations happening within and beyond the Communications and Engagement Section, we are going to start re-posting and cross-posting content from C&E Section members. If you would like to have one of your projects or blog posts featured in this series, contact us!
Meanwhile, here’s a cross-post from C&E Section chairperson, Bethann Garramon Merkle. See the original on her website.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the recent Science op-ed that was a personal attack against a well-known and successful science communicator and neuroscientist active on Instagram and other communication and engagement platforms. Among other things, I think about this issue through the lens of art-related insecurities, negative social conditioning, and lack of support that folks often face when pursuing careers in the arts, or even considering trying out an art form. Read more about Cross-post: I don’t usually post selfies, but that’s about to change. OR, some things #scientistswhoselfie and #sketchyourscience have in common. …
This week, Bethann Garramon Merkle responds to the #MySciComm questions!
Bethann is an artist, writer, instructor, editor, and consultant who blends visual storytelling and science communication. She’s also a SciComm Section co-founder, the section chair-elect, and our webmaster. She is passionate about a) integrating drawing into education, research, and communication efforts, and b) the role stories play in shaping public perspectives of science and ecology topics. Connect with her @CommNatural and www.ecologicallytruestory.org.
The #MySciComm series features a host of SciComm professionals. We’re looking for more contributors, so please get in touch if you’d like to write a post!
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I have my high school biology and art teachers to thank. Read more about #MySciComm: Bethann Garramon Merkle on merging art and science to enhance scicomm …
Our last post was about Johanna Varner and the research she does on pikas. Inspired by Johanna’s own sketches, produced during our workshop, the Pikas on Ice post featured some delightful pika sketches by Jennifer Landin.
Pikas on Ice! http://t.co/8awa46SayY Nice Ecotone piece by @DrHolly on our work with @pikaresearch! #ESA2014 #sciart #scicomm #pikas
— Pika Jo Varner (@johannavarner) September 8, 2014
Read more about #SketchYourScience takes off after ESA 2014 workshop …
*This list is dynamic, and in-development. Feel free to make suggestions (use the comments section or contact us directly) re additional resources and great examples that should be included. INSPIRATION Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (link to Facebook page) Nocturnal wonders: looking closely at moths New species at risk book written in indigenous languages by GNWT departments ofRead more about Resources: Sketching + beyond[…]