SCED 411/511 – Field Experience in Communicating Science to the Public, Spring 2013 Syllabus
Instructor
Office Location
Phone
Dr. Jennifer Dechaine
Science 236D
509-963-2878
Email
Office Hours
Meeting time
dechaine@cwu.edu
Tues 1pm & Wed 10:30am
W 3-5pm in SCI 111
Course Information
Prerequisites: Senior standing (SCED411) or enrolled in a Masters of Science program (SCED511) in the College of the
Sciences (COTS). SCED 411 and SCED 511 are equivalent courses; students may not receive credit for both.
Course Materials:
1) Baron, N. 2010. Escape from the ivory tower: A guide to making your science matter. Island Press, Washington D.C.
2) Blackboard Account – Readings and information will be posted on Blackboard
Course Description and Rationale: This course will focus on strategies for effectively communicating science content
and/or your research in public venues. You will also put these strategies into practice by working collaboratively with a
community mentor to develop and/or implement a project teaching science to a group of non-scientists.
Course Objectives, By the end of the course students should be
able to (in no particular order):
Assessments
Analyze the issues surrounding public science communication at
local and national scales
Class discussion, reflective essays
Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in the context of
scientific content and process
Oral presentation exercises, final oral
presentation, evaluations
Demonstrate effective written communication skills in the context
of scientific content and process
Blog post
Work collaboratively with community stakeholders to develop and
implement a project that teaches science to a group of nonscientists (e.g., K-12 or adult)
Project activities and evaluation
SCED511: Develop and practice ways to effectively communicate
thesis research to community stakeholders
Oral presentation, Blog post
Course Expectations
In order to best facilitate your learning in this course, my expectations of you are:


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Face Fears. In this course, you and your research will be openly displayed to the community and open to
criticism. It’s likely that some course activities will push you outside your comfort zone. Bravely face your fears
and you will be rewarded with personal growth and new skills that will help you for the rest of your life.
Constructive and Respectful Criticism. The best way to learn theory is through practice, and you will have
several opportunities in class to practice communicating science and receive feedback from your peers. Do your
best to provide insightful and constructive feedback to your peers, and everyone will improve.
Be Prepared. Complete your readings and reflection questions before class.
Openly Communicate. If something is unclear, ask for help from your classmates or myself. Take advantage of
office hours. Use professional communication with instructors and mentors.
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SCED 411/511 – Field Experience in Communicating Science to the Public, Spring 2013 Syllabus
Assessment and Grading
This course, like all university level courses, should require a minimum of 2 hours study time for every hour the course
meets ( = 6 hours/week) to earn a satisfactory grade (“C”). Those students who wish to earn above a “C” should expect
to commit more time. Assignments will be detailed in Blackboard and in class when they are assigned. Student
assessment is based on:
Assignment
Participation and Attendance
Lose 5% every day missed beyond 1 day. F in
course if miss >3 days
Message Box
Initial Elevator Pitch
Final Elevator Pitch
Final Blog Post
Initial Project Presentation
Final Project Presentation (observed in field)
Final In-Class Presentation
Project Evaluation
Reflective Journal
Total
% Total Grade
10
5
3
12
10
5
20
10
5
20
100%
Final Grades for the course will be calculated as follows:
B+
C+
D+
88 - 89%
78 - 79%
68 - 69%
A
B
C
D
F
92 - 100%
82 - 87%
72 - 77%
62 - 67%
<60%
ABCD-
90 - 91%
80 - 81%
70 - 71%
60 - 61%
Late assignments lose 10% per day that they are late and will not be accepted more than 1 week late. Small assignments
and discussion are conducted in class and cannot be made up. These may be assigned on any day.
Course Policies
Blackboard and Email: Course announcements, handouts, notes, grades, and readings will be posted on the course
Blackboard site (http://courses.cwu.edu). It is your responsibility to check Blackboard daily so that you are aware of
course changes. I will also use email through Blackboard, so you must check your CWU email or have it forwarded to a
second account. You should automatically be enrolled in the course on Blackboard once you are enrolled in Safari.
The Central Washington University Student Judicial Code is an official publication of Central Washington University that
explains policies and procedures. Students are responsible for knowing its contents. The Judicial Code is available at
http://www.cwu.edu/~saffairs/studentjudicialcode.html.
Disability Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Students with disabilities who wish to set up academic adjustments
in this class should turn in a copy of their “Confirmation of Eligibility for Academic Adjustments” from the Disability
Services Office as soon as possible so we can discuss how the approved adjustments will be implemented in this class.
Students without this form should contact Disability Support Services at 509-963-2171 (TDD: 509-963-2143) or
dssrecpt@cwu.edu.
Academic Dishonesty: Central Washington University holds its students to the highest standards of academic integrity
and honesty. Academic dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated and may result in failure of the assignment, and/or
course, and/or expulsion from the university. Plagiarism on written assignments will result in a zero for the assignment
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SCED 411/511 – Field Experience in Communicating Science to the Public, Spring 2013 Syllabus
and may result in further disciplinary action through the university. What constitutes academic dishonesty is clearly
defined by the CWU Student Code #106-120-027, http://www.cwu.edu/~saem/index.php?page=student-conduct-code
Tentative Schedule
Week
March 27
Topic/Activity
April 17
Introduction & Goals
Importance of Science
Communication
Communication Basics
Review Messages
Project Consultations
Plan Reflective Journal 2
Written Communication
April 24
Review Blog Posts
May 1
Presentations (1-2)
Informal Presentations
Presentations (2-3)
Nonverbal Communication
Presentations (3-4)
Elevator Pitches
Presentations (2-3)
Formal Presentations
Goals
Start Final Presentations
Final Presentations
April 3
April 10
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
Finals
Readings*
Baron Chapters 2 & 8
Assignments^
Collect Reflective Journal 1
Project Paragraph (Bb) – Monday, April 8
Baron Ch. 4
Meredith Ch. 10
Baron Ch. 5
Message Box (Bb)
Elevator Pitch Links
Meredith Ch. 1
Zoller Video
Final Blog Post (Bb)
Initial Blog Post - bring 2 copies to class
Initial Elevator Pitch
Final Elevator Pitch
Meredith Ch. 3
Baron Ch. 11
Final Reflective Journal
Project Evaluations
*Readings and their accompanying reflective exercises due on the date posted at the start of class, unless otherwise
noted. Readings and questions are available on Blackboard. Reflective exercises should be completed in a designated
section of your reflective journal. ^Bb assignments are due at 11:59pm on the date listed. Other assignments are due in
class on the date listed.
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