Course Description

Museums and science centers are vital for public education and the advancement of science, serving as key venues where people learn about and engage with scientific concepts. This course explores how these institutions leverage narrative techniques and interactive experiences to transform complex scientific concepts into accessible public knowledge. It is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate effective science communication strategies within these informal learning environments.

Students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the science communication process, from understanding audience demographics and needs to developing engaging content and interactive exhibits and programs. The course will cover various aspects of museum and science center operations, including storytelling, digital media integration, exhibit design, and public program development. Students will apply what they have learned through hands-on projects, collaborative workshops, and field trips, interacting directly with professionals in the field. They will also participate in creating museum exhibits and public science programs, supported by theoretical insights, practical exercises, and guest lectures from museum and science communication experts.

Throughout the course, students will explore theories and best practices that enhance science communication in informal settings. They will develop critical and creative thinking skills necessary to address communication barriers, create engaging public exhibitions, and implement inclusive science communication strategies that are culturally sensitive. The final project will challenge students to make scientific knowledge universally accessible and understandable, contributing significantly to public engagement and education in science. This highly collaborative, experimental, and reflective course environment will prepare students to not only share their research effectively but also transform how science is communicated within the community and beyond.

Course Objectives

The primary goal of this course is to foster a deep understanding of the role museums and science centers play in science communication and public education. Throughout the course, students will develop skills in narrative and multimedia content creation tailored to diverse public audiences. They will learn to navigate and employ the unique interactive and educational potentials of museums, gaining practical experience in exhibit design and public program development to effectively communicate scientific knowledge. Additionally, students will critically assess and respond to the challenges and opportunities of museum-based science communication, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. This course offers a synergetic learning opportunity by leveraging partnerships with local museums and science centers, providing students with a realistic setting to apply their skills and expand their professional portfolios. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with a robust toolkit for effective science communication, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to public engagement and education in science.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the role of museums and science centers in public education and scientific engagement, detailing how they function as platforms for interactive learning and communication.
2. Develop and apply targeted communication strategies that utilize storytelling to convey complex scientific concepts effectively to both specialized and general audiences within museum settings.
3. Integrate ethical considerations and reconciliation principles into science communication efforts, collaborating with diverse communities to ensure cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
4. Utilize digital media and journalism strategies to extend the reach and enhance the impact of scientific discourse to a broad and diverse audience.
5. Analyze and synthesize elements of successful educational content in informal learning environments like museums, focusing on creating clear and engaging science communication.
6. Develop, implement, and critically evaluate public science programs and exhibits that promote informal learning, effectively overcoming engagement barriers and broadening scientific understanding among varied audiences.

Visual Course Map