Last Friday my friend Briana and I presented our research to a group of students in the agriculture magnet program at North Harford High School. She gave an excellent powerpoint presentation and I presented a poster. I also talked a little bit about the basics of scientific research and how to make a poster, the students are in a capstone class and will be presenting their research during a poster forum. I first signed on to get experience presenting, but then I started thinking about this in a larger context, connecting scientific research and the general public. To be frank, the US has major scientific literacy problems, partly because scientists are not out there interacting and participating in public events. Events of the past month have shaped my views on scientific literacy and I plan on working harder as an advocate. I would like to share with you the events that led me to this thinking.
Event 1: PlantingScience liaison orientation. I participate in a really great high school mentoring program called PlantingScience (http://plantingscience.org/). I’ve always heard positive things about the program from my students, but this year during orientation something caught me off guard. Some teachers reported students were most excited to learn that scientists were real people who had real lives. One classroom of students was “shocked” their mentor owned dogs and had a boat. It hit me, people don’t know and/or understand scientists. As I was pondering this disconnect, I met an individual who impacted my stance on scientific outreach.
Event 2: Meeting Dr. Kevin Folta. It just so happened that Kevin Folta came to present his research only a few short weeks after a highly controversial news article was written about him in the New York Times. Kevin’s presentation was full of raw emotions and some tension as a news reporter stirred the pot in front of a largely supportive group of scientists. What impacted me the most about Kevin’s presentation, however, was the realization that 1) scientific accuracy is difficult when it is put up against impassioned media stories, and 2) it is important for the public to have a strong understanding of scientific principles and how science actually works (funding, costs, overworked yet underpaid employees, regulations, etc). Kevin’s message started some interesting conversations in our department.
Event 3: The Scientific Communication Discussions. After Kevin left there was much talk in our department about scientific education and communication. We discussed the science-public discrepancies and being researchers in emotionally driven areas. Advocating was brought up. It was at this point I heard things like kids aren’t taught about the environment, people don’t listen, and people don’t care. I walked out of the discussions feeling slightly depressed, but also realize why my colleagues feel that way. I then remembered the story of the PlantingScience students and I regained my positive outlook on science advocating. So, what did I learn and synthesize from all of this?
Event 1: PlantingScience liaison orientation. I participate in a really great high school mentoring program called PlantingScience (http://plantingscience.org/). I’ve always heard positive things about the program from my students, but this year during orientation something caught me off guard. Some teachers reported students were most excited to learn that scientists were real people who had real lives. One classroom of students was “shocked” their mentor owned dogs and had a boat. It hit me, people don’t know and/or understand scientists. As I was pondering this disconnect, I met an individual who impacted my stance on scientific outreach.
Event 2: Meeting Dr. Kevin Folta. It just so happened that Kevin Folta came to present his research only a few short weeks after a highly controversial news article was written about him in the New York Times. Kevin’s presentation was full of raw emotions and some tension as a news reporter stirred the pot in front of a largely supportive group of scientists. What impacted me the most about Kevin’s presentation, however, was the realization that 1) scientific accuracy is difficult when it is put up against impassioned media stories, and 2) it is important for the public to have a strong understanding of scientific principles and how science actually works (funding, costs, overworked yet underpaid employees, regulations, etc). Kevin’s message started some interesting conversations in our department.
Event 3: The Scientific Communication Discussions. After Kevin left there was much talk in our department about scientific education and communication. We discussed the science-public discrepancies and being researchers in emotionally driven areas. Advocating was brought up. It was at this point I heard things like kids aren’t taught about the environment, people don’t listen, and people don’t care. I walked out of the discussions feeling slightly depressed, but also realize why my colleagues feel that way. I then remembered the story of the PlantingScience students and I regained my positive outlook on science advocating. So, what did I learn and synthesize from all of this?
- Scientists, agronomists, and advocators have a difficult road ahead of us. In general the media focuses on squeaky wheels or writes misleading stories.
- Through outreach we can negate this bad press and educate people. Making yourself open to the public so they can see you are a genuine human is a good start.
- We need to target K-12 education. Kids are extremely bright and willing to learn. If we can teach them scientists have exciting jobs and we want to save the world, we can build a love and respect for science in them.
- If you are a scientist, maintain a positive attitude and take time out of your schedule to participate in scientific education and outreach events. Join PlantingScience, volunteer with local high school clubs like FFAs, 4Hs, Envirothon and soil judging teams, have your department show up to an agriculture education day, etc. There are so many opportunities, take advantage of them!
- Don’t be “too busy” for education and outreach. A few hours every few weeks is nothing in the grand scheme of things. And if you really don’t have time, at least support others who are out there representing you. Social media and email are great ways to do this. Shares count.