Student-Curated Informal Learning and Engagement Spaces (SCI-LEnS)

Ongoing

About

The SCI-LEnS project aims to develop a new graduate course that will build an informal learning space paradigm at UBC. In collaboration with museum professionals, students will explore best practices and pedagogical approaches for creating effective public-facing content in science museums. A key project goal is to shift the lens through which scientists engage with public audiences. By placing students at the nexus of this transformative shift, we hope to train the next generation of researchers to reimagine their delivery of complex, cutting-edge science to public audiences, future colleagues, students, and the broader scientific community. SCI-LEnS will provide experiential learning opportunities for students through the creation/curation of outreach activities in the Pacific Museum of Earth. With guidance from UBC Indigenous scholars, students will explore ways to respectively incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into museum settings as well as how to navigate the changing dynamics of Indigenous relations in scientific research.

The course modules include:

Major topics in science communication: Scientists as storytellers, understanding your audience, communicating complex material, communicating with K-12 audiences
Communicating science in Action - working with media: Digital media (podcasts, videos, social media), interview skills and practice
Exhibit Design and other Self-Directed Learning: Museum exhibits, design principles and practices in museum settings
Outreach Program Development and Guided Learning: Outreach planning and implementation, intentional design, object-centered learning

Objectives

Train the next generation of researchers to be dynamic and engaging science communicators.
Equip graduate students to deliver complex, cutting-edge science to public audiences, peers, colleagues and the boarder science community.
Bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the public, bringing UBC research to public audiences in informal learning environments.
Centre the student learning on museum visits, case studies, class discussion, collaboration, and dialogue with experts

Outputs, Products or Deliverables

Learn about milestones and deliverables of the project here: https://tlef.ubc.ca/funded-proposals/entry/916/

Anticipated Impacts

Experiential Learning: The course emphasizes hands-on learning, with students creating and building as core learning objectives.
Student-Curated Informal Learning Space: An annual outreach event at UBC highlighting cutting-edge science, inspiring visitors to discover the value of science.
Cross-Faculty Collaboration: The project brings together experts in museum outreach, education, and exhibit design to strengthen the course's development and sustainability.
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge: UBC Indigenous scholars provide guidance on incorporating Indigenous knowledge into science museums.
Pedagogical Exploration: Students will explore the pedagogical dimensions of museum exhibitions and work with scholars on contemporary exhibition development and educational messaging.
Public Engagement: The course aims to shift the lens through which scientists engage with the public, inviting the community into the museum to share academic endeavors.