Effective Science Communication Skills to Build the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards and Leaders: This self-paced online course offered by the leader in Environmental Science, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, shares the easy to learn techniques that our scientists use to help make students better science communicators Integrates the best of both graphics and the written word so that students are equipped to tell “the whole story”.

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Earning Criteria

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Science Communication for Sustainability Leaders Earning Criteria:

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and critique features of science communication products that utilize effective graphic and narrative techniques.
• Produce appealing graphs and charts that avoid ‘chart junk’ or ‘map clutter’.
• Craft a narrative using the ‘and, but, therefore’ template.
• Develop a best-practice compelling science communication.
• Produce appealing graphs and charts that avoid ‘chart junk’ or ‘map clutter’.
• Craft a narrative using the ‘and, but, therefore’ template.
• Develop a best-practice compelling science communication.

Skills learned from each module:

Module 1:

• Importance of science communication
• Identifying iconic science communicators
• Understanding the science behind science communication
• Crafting effective stories
• Audience analysis for communication
• Learning narrative structure for communication

Module 2:

• Data visualization techniques
• Creating and interpreting data visualizations
• Familiarity with classic conceptual diagrams
• Understanding IAN conceptual diagrams
• Knowledge of classic maps for communication

Module 3:

• Storyboarding techniques
• Creating active titles for content
• Understanding the storyboard creation process
• Project management skills for communication projects
• Mastery of layout and design principles
• Practical layout and design examples
• The ability to critique and review communication materials

Module 4:

• Grasping color theory fundamentals
• Applying color theory in science communication
• Using symbols and diagrams effectively
• Creating conceptual diagrams
• Analyzing conceptual diagram examples

Module 5:

• Distinguishing between science writing and science communication
• Developing various science communication products
• Incorporating photos and videos into science communication
• Preparing and assembling scientific presentations
• Skills for delivering effective presentations in a scientific context