Science outreach is an important aspect of many life science careers. Conveying complex ideas in modern biology to a non-science audience is a critical part of many educational, medical and public health professions. One way to bring both biological concepts and an understanding of the scientific method to a lay audience is to engage the audience in a hands-on inquiry-based activity. Students in the class will first go through a stream-lined version of docent training, where they will learn many of the features of public engagement in biological science. They will then put this into action by running an Investigate Activity with the public at the Museum of Natural History. (Investigate Activity: An inquiry-based or demonstration-based activity designed to bring important concepts in biology and/or the scientific method to a public audience typically found among Natural Science Museum visitors.) Students will then cover key principles in effective science communication and inquiry-based activities. Using their experience and these principles, students will develop, mock-up and later present their own Investigate Activity to the public, as well as provide feedback to other student Investigate Activities. The best Investigate Activity(s) will be chosen by Museum education staff for use the next year.

Course Requirements:

Students will be required to learn the biology for a pre-planned Investigate Activity and supervise the activity with the public in the Museum. Student will also develop their own Investigate Activity, provide a written Proposal, provide peer evaluations for other proposals, develop and mock-up their Investigate Activity, and present their Investigate Activity to the public. Students will be graded by class participation, exams on class lectures, a written Investigate Activity Proposal, written peer evaluation, Investigate Activity execution, and a written Investigate Activity Revision.

Intended Audience:

Life science majors interested in science outreach and education.

Class Format:

3 hours of lecture per week. Students will be required to facilitate and participate in demonstrations at the Museum and to develop their own demonstrations.