The Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu) is a global leader in scientific synthesis, science communication, and ecosystem health report cards, with ongoing projects in Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America. Our projects seek to engage stakeholders and scientists to create solutions to difficult environmental problems. The Science Communicator digital credential is a Mastery Skills badge that encompasses the following skills badges: Graphic Design for Science Communication, Digital Visualization, Narratives for Science Communication, and Dissemination of Science Communication Products.

Badge details

Earning Criteria

Recipients must complete the earning criteria to earn this badge

A Digital Badge for Science Communicator includes four digital credentials: Graphic Design for Science Communication, Digital Visualization, Narratives for Science Communication, and Dissemination of Science Communication Products:

Graphic Design for Science Communication

Students will submit a visually striking symbol, a list of edits and comments for a provided conceptual diagram, a conceptual diagram they will have made themselves, and an InDesign package for a poster they created.

Foundations of Graphic Design:

• Read/Watch the presentations and video modules listed above
• Providing comments on and suggested edits to a provided conceptual diagram

Creating Vector-based Visuals

• Reviewing the Illustrator presentations and videos listed above
• Generating a symbol
• Generating a conceptual diagram

Layout and Design

• Reviewing presentations and videos above related to layout and InDesign
• Generating a poster
• Packaging a poster

Software Proficiency

• Demonstrates proficiency in using multiple software programs.
• Effectively utilizes software features and functionalities.
• Selects appropriate software tools based on data and visualization requirements.

Visualization Techniques

• Applies a variety of visualization techniques and design principles.
• Uses suitable chart types to represent different data effectively.
• Incorporates visual storytelling techniques to engage the audience.

Design and Aesthetics

• Creates visually appealing visualizations with a cohesive design.
• Utilizes principles of design, such as layout, color, typography, and hierarchy.
• Enhances clarity, readability, and comprehension through appropriate graphic elements.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Demonstrates accurate data analysis and interpretation.
• Applies relevant statistical techniques and data processing methods.
• Evaluates the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the data used.

Portfolio Development

• Develops a comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of skills and techniques.
• Creates a chart that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Creates a table that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Creates a map that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Organizes the portfolio logically with clear descriptions and explanations.
• Reflects on the effectiveness of the visualizations and identifies areas for improvement.

Data Visualization

Software Proficiency

• Demonstrates proficiency in using multiple software programs.
• Effectively utilizes software features and functionalities.
• Selects appropriate software tools based on data and visualization requirements.

Visualization Techniques

• Applies a variety of visualization techniques and design principles.
• Uses suitable chart types to represent different data effectively.
• Incorporates visual storytelling techniques to engage the audience.

Design and Aesthetics

• Creates visually appealing visualizations with a cohesive design.
• Utilizes principles of design, such as layout, color, typography, and hierarchy.
• Enhances clarity, readability, and comprehension through appropriate graphic elements.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Demonstrates accurate data analysis and interpretation.
• Applies relevant statistical techniques and data processing methods.
• Evaluates the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the data used.

Portfolio Development

• Develops a comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of skills and techniques.
• Creates a chart that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Creates a table that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Creates a map that is appropriate for that dataset and uses good design principles.
• Organizes the portfolio logically with clear descriptions and explanations.
• Reflects on the effectiveness of the visualizations and identifies areas for improvement.

Narratives for Science Communication

Students will submit a clear, concise ABT statement, a fully developed message box, and a completed blog post on an area of personal research or on a provided topic, as well as submitting learning exercises of the following skills:

Understanding Narrative Structure:

• Watch edX course
• Complete Narrative Structure Handout

Tools to Develop a Narrative
-Differentiate ABT from alternative narrative structures

• Identify quality ABT statements

Identifying Key Elements
Provided a story, identify:

• ABT
  -Message Box Components

Creating a Narrative

• ABT
• Message Box
• Blog Post

Dissemination of Science Communication Products

Submission of a final portfolio, including the following skills, to be:

Planning:

• Demonstrates understanding of the actions needed for a report card release event.
• Organizes the checklist logically and includes adequate detail

Presentations

• Demonstrates proficiency in using presentation software and tools.
• Highlights the key messages of the report card while balancing visuals and written
  content.
• Effectively uses active titles that will keep audience engagement.

Social Media

• Follows the template structure of the social media toolkit.
• Understands the key elements of the social media toolkit, including relevant hashtags, accounts to tag, graphics, and captions.
• Creates example graphics that are relevant, informative, and cohesive in design.

Press

• Incorporates the five Ws with enough context and within word limits.
• Can effectively extract the key messages from the report card and incorporate them into a story-like format.
• Write a press release