Science for All: The Power of Impactful STEM Communication and Journalistic Writing

ACS Webinars

Effective communication by scientists helps to bridge the gap between science and society, ensuring that the public understands and values the contributions of chemistry to improving quality of life and addressing global challenges. However, effectively communicating the values of chemistry to the public requires a multi-faceted approach of tailoring communication and expanding access to education.

Comprehending complex scientific concepts are essential for broad audiences such as policymakers, reporters, educators, and public. Often main message of most science papers is lost between complicated jargon or data. Join Ryan C. Fortenberry of the University of Mississippi as he explores how the journalistic writing model can enhance the clarity and accessibility of peer-reviewed articles, particularly in the field of chemistry, by emphasizing the importance of delivering key information upfront.

Likewise access to quality science education is an issue around the country in rural areas. While rural Americans graduate high school at a higher rate than their urban counterparts, only 60% will go on to higher education and only 13% of those will choose a major in STEM. Increasing access to science education and making science more engaging with an emphasis on how science discoveries are accomplished, rather than just the facts can be a way to increase accessibility. Join Dylan Eralie of Small Town Science, a project aimed at increasing access to science kits and lessons for children in rural areas that brings science into the communities in West Texas and Northern New Mexico. By partnering with non-profit organizations at public events, this project creates demonstrations and hands-on experiences with re-usable kits that spark the imagination of children to one day see themselves as scientists.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by H.N. Cheng, retired scientist at USDA Agricultural Research Service, and organized by the ACS Committee on Public Relations and Communications and ACS President Mary Carroll of Union College.

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What You Will Learn

  • How to write papers that are easier for others to read
  • Tips on how to make the writing process easier
  • How to structure the various pieces of a standard article into the journalistic model
  • How to explore ways to make chemistry more accessible, relatable, and engaging for the public
  • How to identify local organizations that are already serving your community
  • How to recognize the unique challenges of rural communities in providing STEM education

Co-Produced With

 

What an attendee said about this ACS Webinar!

quote

 This ACS Webinar has enhanced my awareness about scientific communication aspects, and thus has improved my communication skills thanks to the tips and experiences speakers have shared.

BECAUSE PEOPLE
LIKE YOU 
CREATE
GREAT CHEMISTRY

You belong here

MEET THE EXPERTS

Mary Carroll
ACS President and Dwane W. Crichton Professor of Chemistry, Union College

Ryan C. Fortenberry
Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Mississippi

Dylan Tharp Eralie
Founder, Small Town Science

H. N. Cheng
Retired Scientist, USDA Agricultural Research Center

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