SWARM: STEM Communication Workshop
Details
Available: 16 August–2 December, 2022
Sessions: 11am, Tuesday to Friday
Duration: 2.5 hours (half day)
Year Level: 7–12
Capacity: 20–30 students
The importance of good science communication has never been more obvious. From taking care of the planet, to helping us live longer and healthier lives, our future relies on sharing and communicating science in accessible and engaging ways.
In this program, students will first be immersed in the Science Gallery Melbourne exhibition, SWARM, reflecting on the pros and cons of collective behaviour, bio-communities and artificial intelligence. Students will then undertake a crash course in science communication, focusing on four topics (Audience, Storytelling, Questioning, and Visual Communication). Students will participate in masterclasses and then use their new skills to develop a poster centred around a piece of novel STEM research.
With top tips and activities along the way from our leading science communicators, students will complete this workshop with a new lens on how to view and communicate science to the public.
+ Students will…
Undertake a STEM facilitator-led tour of SWARM, engaging with the key concepts of the exhibition.
Explore the gallery independently, and reflect on their experience and the impact of the exhibits as a group.
Discuss and understand the importance of good science communication (and the implications of bad science communication).
Learn about and develop their science communication skills, including identifying target audiences, summarising information, writing a hook, and key elements of design.
In teams, write and design a visually engaging poster to communicate a chosen STEM concept.
+ Curriculum Links
Critical and Creative Thinking
English
Science
Visual Communication Design
+ Themes
Science Communication
Misinformation
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Swarm behaviour
Biomimicry
Bio-communities
Social movements
Swarm behaviour
Robotics and nanotechnology
+ Cost
A $50 education service fee applies to each booking plus a cost per student based on the table below (subsidised cost for low-SES and regional schools). The cost per student includes $8/$4 for the interactive tour component plus the remainder for workshop. All prices are inclusive of GST.
| Number of students | Cost per student | Low-SES cost per student |
|---|---|---|
| 20-25 | $20 | $10 |
| 26-30 | $15 | $8 |