A beginner's guide to SciComm

A beginner's guide to SciComm

Breaking Down Complex Concepts - Day 1 (Free)

Jul 17, 2023
∙ Paid


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Complex scientific concepts often involve specialized language, intricate theories, and abstract ideas that may seem daunting to the non-expert. However, it is our responsibility as science communicators to translate these concepts into relatable and digestible forms without sacrificing accuracy or diluting the essence of the science.

Doing so, however, is easier said than done. Over the period of this course, we will delve into why simplifying complex concepts is important and go over a few techniques you could use to do so, along with a different case study each day to exemplify and highlight the key learnings of each topic.

Here’s what this course will look like:

📋 Day 1: Importance of Conveying Complex Concepts

Why is it that we strive to make scientific data and concepts easier to understand? Let’s take a look at why doing so is essential to communicating science. Case Study: Understanding of Genetics

📋 Day 2: Visualizations

A picture is worth a thousand words. Case Study: Visualization of Plate Tectonics

📋 Day 3: Thought Experiments

Utilizing thought experiments as a mental exercise can make it easier for your audience to grasp concepts that they wouldn’t if presented with the mere facts of the situation. Case Study: Twin Paradox

📋 Day 4: Storytelling

Stories have been around as long as our civilization. We will explore how it can engage audiences on a deeper level, allowing them to comprehend complex concepts. Case Study: Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

📋 Day 5: Emphasising the Relevance of Research

How can we convey how important expanding the horizon of our scientific information is to lay audiences? We’ll highlight the different ways people benefit from scientific advancements. Case Study: The Radiolab Podcast

📋 Day 6: Promotion of Science

The scientific information you break down isn’t just for audiences who might implement that information in their everyday lives. We shall discuss the value of our efforts from a broader perspective. Case Study: Carl Sagan


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