Creating SciComm Digital Workshop at SWCC 2020

ABOUT THE PANEL //

With growing divides in public and scientific opinion on controversial science policy issues like data privacy, vaccinations, and climate change, there has never been a more pressing time to improve how we communicate science. This interactive panel, offered a hands-on approach to communicating science through visual, participatory methods. Attendees used a creative approach to engage with four hot-topic science communication themes: AI, GMOs, Climate Change and Vaccinations. Participants were given access to one of four Google Slides documents containing key messages derived from one of the 4 aforementioned themes, template layouts and pages of theme-related icons. Participants were be shown how to use Google Slides to create infographics. This maker-session allowed for participants to directly tap into their creativity as well as critical thinking as they acknowledged their intended audience and created a visual science communication product that presents scientific facts in a complete and accessible way.

The session provided new (visual) science communication skills for SWCC participants and initiated a sustained conversation about the science policy issues that matter most to Canadians. Participants were encouraged to respond creatively to science issues and reflect on how they transformed the future by taking individual and collective action. Panel facilitators created a safe environment by providing helpful hints and tips in visual communication. The panel also offered hands-on training in visual science communication that can help participants share their work more effectively.