ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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Unlocking curious minds: Promoting climate change knowledge and efficacy beliefs among students from lower decile schools

When: Tuesday 13th November, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T8

Currently, we know little if youth are aware of climate change, understand its scientific causes or consequences, and potential solutions. In addition, science teachers’ needs assessment is largely lacking in developing science communication efforts. Based on a collaboration with head of science teachers in five lower decile schools, short and simple animations were developed based on best science communication practises. In particular, social cognitive theory (e.g., Bandura, 1995, 2000) was applied, to focus not only on climate impacts but also to increase self- and collective efficacy beliefs of students that they can individually and collectively act to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The five short videos featured animations on (1) how do we know climate change is happening, (2) how do we determine the impacts of climate change locally, and (3) what solutions will best help mitigate and adapt to climate change. Further, two local climate scientists were featured in separate videos as they are considered the most trusted source of information for the public, aligning with deference to authority theory (e.g., Brossard & Nisbet, 2007; Brossard, 2013). These videos were developed as a resource to local science teachers to adapt in various classes. Based on pre-post survey of 150 high school students following exposure to the videos, we found that the intervention increased students’ knowledge about anthropogenic climate change, belief in scientific consensus, and in particular, their individual and collective efficacies to come together and act on climate change. The science teachers also mentioned using the videos in other classes. The intervention indicates the potential for a collaborative effort between science communication experts, climate scientists, and local science teachers to be able to engage and elevate students’ knowledge and efficacy beliefs about climate change. This research also found the dwindling resources for science teachers needs to be met such local interventions to help teachers better address current science issues. The success of the intervention indicates the effectiveness of localised campaigns in affecting change.

Session

Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring knowledge, beliefs and perceptions

Presenter

Jagadish Thaker, Lecturer at the School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University

Co-Author
Daniel Rimmer

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Impact and Engagement: What can Australia and the UK Learn from Each Other?

When: Monday 12th November, 11:55am – 12:55pm
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #M8

The landscape of science communication and public engagement (PE) in the UK has changed dramatically in the last decade; many people now speak of an increasing ‘impact agenda’ in the higher education sector, which has led to many considering science communication and PE as being integral to the research process. The introduction of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), and subsequently the inclusion of Impact Case Studies, has had a significant influence on this by enabling academics to demonstrate both the social and economic impacts of their research. These changing attitudes has seen higher education institutions develop the infrastructure for delivering PE activities, such as professional staff responsible for coordinating and delivering PE, and many UK bodies awarding funding provided impact can be shown. With the introduction the Excellence in Research for Australia and now the Engagement and Impact Assessment will there be a similar shift in attitude towards PE in Australia? This interactive session will compare and contrast the approaches of both countries and harness collective knowledge to make an action plan that science communicators can use to help further integration of PE into academia. Participants are strongly encouraged to share their own experiences and bring along examples of successful case studies.

Session Producers/Workshop Facilitators

Lizzie Crouch, Senior Coordinator of Engagement, SensiLab, Monash University

Djuke Veldhuis, Course Director, Global Challenges, Monash University

Workshop Facilitator

David Robertson, Lecturer, Monash University

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Bridging the Gap between Science Communication Theory and Practice

When: Wednesday 14th November, 8:45am – 9:45am
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W2

Internationally, science communication scholars and practitioners have been discussing the need to bridge theory with practice for mutual benefits. This session will bring together leading science communication scholars and practitioners  to discuss with the audience critical questions such as:

  • Who are the theoreticians and practitioners?
  • Are there really barriers between theory and practice, or is this a myth?
  • If there are barriers, how might these be overcome?
  • What examples are there of theory and practice connecting?
  • What are the future opportunities for scholars and practitioners to work together?

Session Chair

Jennifer Metcalfe, Director, Econnect Communication

Presenters

Dr Michelle Riedlinger, Associate Professor, University of Fraser Valley, Canada

Mr Toss Gascoigne, Visiting Fellow, The Australian National University

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Case studies: Lessons from the experts

When: Tuesday 13th November, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T9

We’ve all seen that news report, facebook post, heard a podcast, etc. that just doesn’t quite get the science right.  This is endemic throughout communicating science and needs to be addressed. So how do we combat the miscommunication of science?

This session shows you how to make a difference in how you accurately communicate science. Each of the speakers in this session will give you their unique ways to combat this vital issue in our community.

The session is structured into four 15-minute talks and will wrap-up with a 30-minute Q&A for delegates questions and comments.

The session will include the following talks:

Session Producer

 

Session Chair

 

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The risky business of communication risk (or what to do when normal communications no longer work)

When: Thursday 15th November, 12:00pm – 4:45pm (including lunch)
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Room: L3, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right

In this workshop you will examine the theory behind risk communication, and learn how to apply it in practice. We will use case studies and shared learnings to develop risk communication frameworks for people’s own professional situations that you can then apply in your workplace.

Workshop presenter

Craig Cormick, Science Communicator and Writer

Purchase separately or free for conference+workshop delegates (RSVP during registration).

Register now!

**This is a public event. Register to save your seat!**

Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/242782939725080/

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Pixcells: when digital art meets science

When: Wednesday 14th November, 2:40pm – 3:40pm
Where: L2, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #W17

We are exceedingly good at extracting information through visual processing. Studies have shown that the brain can identify images seen for as little as 13 milliseconds – a rate of more than 75 images per second. As science communicators, the image is a powerful and universally accessible form of knowledge transfer. As the complexity of scientific understanding unfolds, visual science communication will play an increasingly important role in education, policy and public engagement, and will no doubt inspire the scientists of the future. This presentation highlights the value of science-trained artists and where to find them locally.

Session

Case studies: Visualising science

Presenter

Andrew Lilja, Techincal Director and Co-founder, SquareCell

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Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring new and social media

When: Tuesday 13th November, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T12

Science communication has evolved with the prevalence of new media, bringing opportunities for scientists and communicators to interact with their audiences in new ways. But what is the value of investing time, money and effort into these new and innovative ways of communicating science? What are the impacts and what works best?

This session will feature research exploring new media and social media and provide insights to improve science communication practice and impact evaluation.

The session is structured into five 15-minute talks and will wrap-up with a 15-minute Q&A for delegates questions and comments.

The session will include the following talks:

Session Producer, Session Chair

Isabelle Kingsley, PhD candidate, Science Communication, University of New South Wales

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Naminma Nanga mi – Reveal the Dream

When: Monday 12th November, 9:35am – 10:20am
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #M2

The sophisticated Indigenous knowledge systems of Australia’s first peoples are both ancient and unique to this continent and I attest are a vital part of Australia’s knowledge capital.

Unlike their Western knowledge system counterparts, if they are not maintained, practised and developed in Australia as vibrant living knowledge systems they will not exist anywhere else in the world.

We need to recognise and value the enormous contribution that Aboriginal peoples have and continue to make to our understanding of the world. After all we have survived in this fragile land scape for millennia, we have knowledge to share. Are you ready to elevate, engage and collaborate with First Nations people’s to maintain our indigenous knowledge systems for this is an issue of national significance for all Australians.

Invited Speaker

Joanne Selfe, Project Officer, MAAS Indigenous Engagement & Strategy

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Science storytelling and detective work in Museums

When: Wednesday 14th November, 11:55am – 1:25pm
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #W12

Join MAAS curators in a participatory workshop and behind-the-scenes tour.

Experience being a curator, learn about object investigation and how to extract science stories from material culture. Deepen your understanding of the role that objects and museum collections play in understanding who we are and what we value.

Then join the curators of science, innovation and technology on a tour of the extraordinary wonderland of the Museum’s underground collection store.

Please note: There is one flight of stairs to access the Collection Store.

Session Producer, Presenter

Tilly Boleyn, Curator, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

Presenter

Matthew Connell, Principal Curator, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

Nina Earl, Science and Technology Curator, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

Angelique Hutchison, Curator, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

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Questions? Please contact Kali on asc2018@asc.asn.au.

Acknowledgements

© 2018 Australian Science Communicators

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