Transcript of Education and Public Outreach: Skills and Media Amber L. Stuver LIGO Livingston Observatory.
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- Education and Public Outreach: Skills and Media Amber L. Stuver
LIGO Livingston Observatory
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- Outreach Social networking has made this model antiquated and
given the public a direct way to interact with scientists. Outreach
Humanizes science and scientists Inspires public Especially
important for young members of under- represented or underserved
groups
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- LIGO Science Education Center (SEC) Science museum co-located
at the LIGO Livingston Observatory Built on partnerships (LIGO,
Exploratorium, SUBR, LaSIP) Focuses on inquiry based activities and
showcasing scientists at work In FY11, the SEC has served 11,873
(students/ teachers/public)
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- Personal Observations Enthusiasm is contagious! Its okay to not
know the answer to something. Gross can equal interesting. Keep up
with popular news stories. These are often excellent examples of
science being a process. The fewer words on presentations slides,
the better! Focus instead on illustrations, videos, and
sounds.
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- Speaking to Different Grade Levels 1 st 3 rd : more important
to portray excitement than content 4 th 8 th : excited about
science and little reservations about showing it This time is
especially important to engage students 9 th : peer pressure
becoming a hindrance to excitement about science 12 th : many
students become ambivalent or decided science isnt for them
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- Issues Encountered Learn effective translations of jargon into
common language. Think about explaining to a non-technical loved
one. Puberty can cause common words to have distracting meanings.
It is imperative to be respectful of others worldviews
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- Discussing Religious Issues Your science may be perceived as in
conflict with religious beliefs. Understand what part of your
science causes the conflict and why. Respect! Dont try to convert.
You are the embodiment of science to many dont send them away
feeling alienated. Make distinction between questions of science
(How?) and questions of faith (Why?). Example: the Big Bang and
Creation
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- From the Einsteins Messengers Documentary
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- What Can You Do? A few ideas
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- Blogging Write about your science and your daily life! Ideas:
What a day is like for you (humanize) News in your research field
or otherwise (inspire) Answer reader questions (educate) If you
write it, they will come (routines help). It will take some time to
find your voice and your audience Network with bloggers and promote
on social media!
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- Just started! Even my friends are getting bored Post on my blog
breaks Big Dog news Sean Carroll promotes my request for reader
questions Routine posting begins
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- Provide Teacher Professional Development Teachers are required
to perform continuing education and you can provide this. Themed
Year of, etc. excellent for content. Materials can be provided by
professional societies. Funding is available too! Build
relationships with schools advertise early to get the turn out you
want.
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- LaserFest Teachers Day at SESAPS APS Outreach Office provided
30 PhysicsQuest kits Teachers received training and materials
(free!) Talk by LSU AMO physicist on lasers in AM Funded by APS
Forum on Education Mini-grant, AAPT, and the OSA Foundation. $
needed only for breakfast, lunch, and refreshments Lunch with
physicists attending SESAPS Meeting AAPT granted 6 National
Continuing Education Units (not hard for us to be certified)
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- LaserFest Teachers Day In Action! Yes, she is cutting her own
hair!
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- Give Talks to Interested Groups Develop canned talks that can
be recycled and easily adapted Science Cafs, teacher societies
(MSTA) Amateur science societies (e.g. astronomical) Local chapters
of professional societies IEEE, AIAA, ASME Community organizations
Rotary, library lectures Remember: Keep text on slides to a minimum
Not like this slide!
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- Visit Schools Most schools arent sure how to attract interested
scientists but they will rarely turn away the offer of a visit!
Bring your enthusiasm! Small demonstrations, activities, computer
simulations, anything to engage! If you cant be there in person,
consider using Skype, etc.
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- Other Ideas Have an open house on campus. Write articles for
The Physics Teacher, etc. Develop classroom activities to connect
concepts to current research. Talk with your education department
about ways to interact with pre-service teachers. Work with
professional societies to develop educational materials.
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- Summary Make your science accessible in any way or media you
can. To become effective at communicating science, you must do it!
You will find your unique voice. Respect religious beliefs, class,
and treat your audience as an equal. If you dont feel comfortable,
work with people who are!