Science Writing
Area
Sciences
Duration
2 sessions
Dimension of the advised group of students
One group of 15 people
Specific objectives
- To gain greater appreciation for the importance of communication skills in
science and engineering careers
- To gain greater appreciation for enhancing science literacy through written
media
- To become involved in science communication and outreach through one or
more forms of media
Needed Materials
- Projector
- Screen
- Internet access
- Files and reading material
- Photocopies
- White or backboard
- Invited guest scientist
If the training is organized online one communication platform will be necessary.
Software
- One online communication platform, such us: Zoom, Google Meet, Webex,
etc.
- In person, no software is needed.
Description
Science is an important part of our society, our future and our values. It can influence
broad topics such as governmental and corporate decision making or directly impact
the consumer through personal, economic or environmental risks and benefits that
influence a person’s willingness to adapt to new technology. Effective and engaging
written communication between the scientist and the nonscientist is critical to
influencing the perception of science.
This is a full-day interactive lecture/workshop. The program focuses on writing science
stories that engage both the general public and other scientists. Participants learn
about various forms of science writing, helpful resources and potential career
opportunities.
The workshop is divided into two sessions. The first section emphasizes techniques to
enhance the narrative by identifying and incorporating the components of a good
story into various samples of media. The second session provides practical instruction
in effective interviewing skills through exercises that emphasize drawing out the
elements of an engaging story. Through the activities, participants will develop writing
samples for their professional portfolio. At the completion of the workshop,
participants are invited to submit a writing project for review and possible publication.
Procedure on how to put in practice
1st session: How to Tell a Story
Duration: 3 hours
No of participants: 15
Methods used: open discussion, role-play
Competences developed: critical thinking, writing skills
Step-by-step description:
1. Welcome participants and introduce the workshop.
2. Key Elements of Storytelling:
a. Hand out plot chart for writing a screenplay and ask participants
to identify the story telling elements while diagramming each
point.
b. Explain the story telling elements from (a) by describing where
each element occurs in the example film.
c. Play the brief cartoon film at least twice, asking the participants
to look for the elements and identify them after the film. This is
done via open discussion.
d. Perform a seated reading of the play. Participants volunteer to
play the character roles and to direct. Participants are asked to
look for the storytelling elements. These elements are identified
via open discussion after the reading.
e. Distribute copies of the feature article. Go around the room,
asking each participant to read a few paragraphs aloud, and
discuss certain elements of storytelling as they are recognized.
3. Critique of Writing Samples:
a. Select three articles written by the participants. The selection is
based on examples that best represent what everyone needs help
on in their writing. This is assessed by the instructor ahead of
time, from reading all of the articles.
b. Distribute copies to all the participants. Ask for a volunteer to read
aloud the article and instruct the participants to concentrate on
the key elements of storytelling, or the concrete details, or
another aspect of writing that the instructor determines needs to
be discussed.
Debriefing question: Which writing challenges should be addressed in the next
session?
