Chemistry in Primetime and Online: Communicating Chemistry in Informal Environments: Workshop Summary - Softcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Chemical Sciences And Technology; Chemical Sciences Roundtable

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309187702 ISBN 13: 9780309187701

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2011

Synopsis

It is critical that we increase public knowledge and understanding of science and technology issues through formal and informal learning for the United States to maintain its competitive edge in today's global economy. Since most Americans learn about science outside of school, we must take advantage of opportunities to present chemistry content on television, the Internet, in museums, and in other informal educational settings.

In May 2010, the National Academies' Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a workshop to examine how the public obtains scientific information informally and to discuss methods that chemists can use to improve and expand efforts to reach a general, nontechnical audience. Workshop participants included chemical practitioners (e.g., graduate students, postdocs, professors, administrators); experts on informal learning; public and private funding organizations; science writers, bloggers, publishers, and university communications officers; and television and Internet content producers. Chemistry in Primetime and Online is a factual summary of what occurred in that workshop.

Chemistry in Primetime and Online examines science content, especially chemistry, in various informal educational settings. It explores means of measuring recognition and retention of the information presented in various media formats and settings. Although the report does not provide any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, it does discuss the need for chemists to connect more with professional writers, artists, or videographers, who know how to communicate with and interest general audiences. It also emphasizes the importance of formal education in setting the stage for informal interactions with chemistry and chemists.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• 1 Overview
• 2 Introduction to Informal Learning
• 3 Chemistry in Print
• 4 Local Outreach Efforts
• 5 Chemistry in Museums
• 6 Chemistry in Video, in Movies, and on the Radio
• 7 Tools and Techniques
• 8 Workshop Wrap-up Session
• Appendixes
• Appendix A: Select References
• Appendix B: Workshop Agenda
• Appendix C: Biographies
• Appendix D: Workshop Attendees
• Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

About this edition

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0309187702
• ISBN 13: 9780309187701
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 102