HUM/SOSC/NSCI 7000: Sharing Science Experience
This two-day workshop provides graduate students with an introduction to public engagement with science through a hands-on experience at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The workshop is facilitated by a Museum Educator and UC faculty in the sciences and humanities. Students learn about the most effective practices in informal science education. In addition, students work with actual museum visitors by facilitating science demonstrations.
This 1-credit workshop is offered twice in the Fall semester. Students may sign up for either section and whichever area designation of the course best serves them: humanities (HUM), social sciences (SOSC), or natural sciences (NSCI).
Workshop Day 1
Participants convene in the Cincinnati Museum Center STEM Learning Lab. Museum educator Brian Pollock guides activities introducing the aims and methods of sharing scientific ideas. After lunch, participants work in groups to practice guiding audience engagement with a scientific activity. Then, the STEM Learning Lab is opened to museum guests, who are led through the scientific activities. The day ends with reflection on themes and lessons.
Workshop Day 2
Participants meet back at UC with PEWS workshop facilitators and Brian Pollock. Day 2 activities expand beyond museum and informal education contexts to consider other forms of public engagement with science. Participants work in teams to develop plans for novel public engagement initiatives. The day ends with a consideration of a variety of resources and potential next steps for participants.
