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Citizen science in educational settings and outreach activities

3. Interactive session: Crafting narratives and communication strategies in citizen science

This interactive session offers learners the choice between two tasks focused on enhancing communication in CS: crafting a compelling story for a project or selecting and diving into communication tactics and tools. Learners will be encouraged to develop a structured story or a detailed communication strategy that can be applied to enhance engagement in their CS projects. They will gain insights into the narrative and visual representation of their project’s story or the practical use of communication tools to engage diverse audiences effectively.

Module description: 

What?

How?

Introduction

Present the two task options and distribute handouts with instructions and examples. Provide learners with large sheets of paper for their work and markers or other drawing tools (online if necessary).

Task selection and planning

Divide learners into small groups or set them up to work individually. Learners choose one of the two tasks: developing a story or selecting communication tactics. They brainstorm key elements or tactics/tools they wish to focus on.

Task execution

For the storytelling task, learners sketch out the narrative of their chosen citizen science project, focusing on structure, characters, setting, and message. For the communication strategies task, learners list and elaborate on selected tactics and tools, considering how they would apply to a specific citizen science initiative.

Sharing and feedback

Learners briefly present their stories or communication plans, highlighting the rationale behind their choices. Peers provide feedback, focusing on the clarity, engagement potential, and comprehensiveness of the narratives or communication strategies.

Conclusion

Summarize the importance of storytelling and strategic communication in citizen science. Encourage learners to incorporate these elements into their actual citizen science projects.



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