UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Science and Public Communication
Definition:
Communicating complex ideas to non-specialist audiences requires a different skill set from academic writing. Whether explaining research to the public, writing for popular audiences, or preparing policy briefings, science communication requires clarity, accessibility, and an awareness of the target audience.
Useful Resources on Science and Public Communication:
Durant, J., & Venkataraman, B. (2011). Science communication: A practical guide. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sts-034-science-communication-a-practical-guide-fall-2011
Annotation: MIT course on communicating science in real-world contexts, including complex topics such as climate change and genomics. Projects cover speaking, writing, expert testimony, policy briefings, blogging, and live interviews. Includes lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Boiko, K. (2017). Science writing in contemporary society. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21w-777-science-writing-in-contemporary-society-spring-2017
Annotation: MIT undergraduate course addressing the craft of writing about science, technology, medicine, and nature for contemporary audiences. Students read and analyze essays, reports, and op-eds by writers, and produce their own written assignments.
Boiko, K. (2018). Science writing and new media: Science writing for the public. MIT OpenCourseWare. https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21w-035-science-writing-and-new-media-science-writing-for-the-public-spring-2018
Annotation: MIT undergraduate course introducing writing about science for general readers. Assignments include writing about the science of everyday life, news stories, profile articles, investigative essays, book talks, oral presentations, and portfolio essays. Focuses on making scientific concepts accessible to the public.
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
5.3. Science and Public Communication
- 5.4. Oral Presentations
- 5.4.1. Presentation Techniques
- 5.5. Giving and Receiving Feedback
- 5.5.1. Giving Feedback
- 5.6. Teamwork and Collaboration
- 5.6.1. Understanding Teams
5.6.2. Working in Groups
5.6.3. Team Presentations
- 5.7. Networking
- 5.8. Leadership
- 5.9. Writing in English
- 5.10. Inclusive and Accessible Communication
- 5.10.1. Inclusive Language Principles
5.10.2. Inclusive Language Reference Tools
5.10.3. Gender-Inclusive Language
5.10.4. Writing about Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Identity
5.10.5. Disability-Inclusive Language
5.10.6. Document Accessibility
Author: Leeanne Irwin
Peer Reviewer(s): None