1. Episode 1: Science Communication
#HeyScientistMel
Episode 1: Science Communication

2. Issues with Science Communication
Hello my science lovers!
This is the very first episode of Hey scientist mel
A podcast where I talk about all of the science things
I also take your questions and topics thru twitter, , and FB
My goal is to boost scientific literacy through engaging in multimedia and making science fun as well as accessible and down to earth

3. Issues with Science Communication
A bit about me
I have 2 bachelor’s in science – biochemistry and biology
I have 2 masters degrees – Arts in teaching, Science in Analytical chemistry
I have performed cancer research (drug delivery and testing), computational chemistry (receptor interactions) research as well as genetics for the tree of life project.
Currently I have a publication under peer review.
My work and CV are also available on my website scientistmel.com
On my website you can find educator resources as well as all of my slides from my videocast The Science Of show in addition to my outlines and sources for this podcast.

4. Issues with Science Communication
Market to the relatively scientifically literate
Cosmos – smart show and fantastic if you like science
Bill Nye Saves the world – fun show, but for science enthusiast who already agree
The focus mostly on concepts and not relevance
Teach concepts but not why people need to know them
Target already established fan base
Nye has a science literate fan base as does Tyson
Some teach like they’re educating kids
Nye, though lovable, educates as if adults are kids
Some are not approachable and are intimidating
Tyson is intimidating
Need adult oriented interests that are relevant to 21+
Relevance matters and practical applications are important

5. Issues with Science Communication
Science illiteracy is an issue
2012 NSF Study
26% do not know the earth revolves around the sun
52% do not understand evolution
39% believe the Big Bang
43% think the mother determines the sex of babies
49% think antibiotics kill viruses and bacteria
33% understand inquiry – scientific method
20% understand study - terminology
34% understand experimentation - methods
Science literacy
Not just understanding words
Need to understand
Relevance
Why they should care
72 – 74% think scientists & engineers do help

6. Issues with Science Communication
Issues in Science education
Focused on correct answers and not problem solving or critical thinking
Less hands on activities and more recitation
Standardized tests are used as instruction
Teachers feel forced to teach a test
Many have evaluation linked to achievement
Less time to cover topics as topics are overwhelming

7. Issues with Science Communication
Adult Disconnect
Elitist presence involving people of hard science
Some adults think they can’t do science
The relevance of understanding science is lost
They’re not interested
Confirmation bias – study on capital punishment
They don’t understand they are directly affected
Yale Climate Change 2016
69% support CO2 limits on emissions
60-70% think climate change affects Americans
23% think it’ll affect them directly

8. Issues with Science Communication
How to fix this?
Make science accessible
Internet
Trusted individuals
In museums with programs
Relevant
They need to know why
Politics
They need to care - pocketbook
Fun
Comedy
Spark interest
Apply to entertainment
Easy to understand
Human, touchable, and in their hands
Easily accessed

9. Issues with Science Communication
In Summary
Need to market to those who need scientific literacy
The focus mostly on relevance with concepts linked
Teach to the adults, offer resources for educators
Be approachable, likeable and not intimidating
People will remember how you made them feel
Need adult oriented interests that are relevant
Relevance matters and practical applications are important
Adults are not going to care if they don’t know why they should care or that certain science (climate change) is pressing.

10. Issues with Science Communication
If you like what I do…
This is my only job right now
I offer educator resources and engagement to direct people to reputable sources so they can learn
This takes a lot of time as I do most of this work myself with some help from volunteers
I have a patreon account that starts at $1/month
Patrons get access to exclusive content and early podcast access…as well as their topics discussed.
I am doing a pledge drive for the month of September where all pledges will be donated to St. Jude children’s research hospital
I also have a go fund me account for single contributions as well as paypal.

11. Thank you to my Patrons Toni Anonymous Jen Carl Paola Anthony Patrick
Tony
Music:
Angel Garcia Happy Jambo

12. You can find me…
Scientistmel.com
Twitter.com/scientistmel
Patreon.com/scientistmel
Pscp.tv.com/scientistmel
Scientistmel.wordpress.com
Youtube.com/scienceymel
Facebook.com/scientistmel

13. Issues with Science Communication
That ends the very first episode of Hey Scientist Mel
Thank you for listening.
If you have any questions, hit me up on twitter, facebook, or my website!
Have a fab day, my science lovers!
Sources
tc/tables.htm
ns-data/ycom-us-2016/
climate/how-americans-think-about-climate- change-in-six-maps.html
f69c0491fd63ab2a9e67c4.pdf