Below is a list of the core resources, papers, and books that we frequently refer to in our offices. They may be of use to anyone planning an outreach event or trying to understand the role of outreach in academia.
Resources & How-To’s
AAAS Communicating Science: Tools for Scientists & Engineers (http://communicatingscience.aaas.org/Pages/newmain.aspx)
This site has helpful webinars and how-to’s, particularly for interacting with journalists and the media.
Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE)
Informal Science
A networking site for informal science professionals, which includes great calendars of events, grant deadlines, and conferences. Relevant grants are often listed.
Science & Development Network Practical Guides
(http://www.scidev.net/en/practical-guides/)
Blogs & Internet Reading
Research Explainer (http://researchexplainer.com/)
This blog serves as a guide for using technologies to explain scientific findings. This includes great tips for using video, Facebook, Twitter, blogging networks, and other pathways.
Age of Engagement (http://bigthink.com/blogs/age-of-engagement)
Authored by Matthew Nisbet, this blog examines the intersections of science, media, journalists, and culture.
Big Think (http://bigthink.com/)
This blog network includes articles by significant scientists, journalists, economists, and others. This is a helpful tool for thinking about how today’s news is reflected by scientific theories.
Science & Development Network (http://www.scidev.net/en/)
“News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world.” This site includes a blog, how-to’s and current events. Although focused on developing countries, the site is filled with ideas and how-to’s for communicating science.
Books
Baron, N. 2010. Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter. Island Press, Washington, D.C., USA.
Jacobson, S. K. 2009. Communication Skills for Conservation Professionals, Island Press, Washington, D.C., USA.
Mooney, C., S. Kirshenbaum, 2009. Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future, Basic Books, New York, New York, USA.
Olson, R. 2009. Don’t Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style. Island Press, Washington, D.C., USA.
Journals & Scientific Literature
Free Choice Learning
Falk, J. H., L. D. Dierking. 2010. The 95 Solution: School is not where most Americans learn most of their science. The Scientific Research Society 98: 486-493.
Falk, J. H., M. Storksdieck, L. D. Dierking. 2007. Investigating public science interest and understanding: evidence for the importance of free-choice learning. Public Understanding of Science 16: 455-469.
Science Communication
CAISE Inquiry group. Many experts, many audiences: public engagement with science and informal science education. March 2009
Groffman, P.M., Stylinski, C. et al. 2010. Restarting the conversation: challenges at the interface between ecology and society. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 8(6): 284-291
Miller, J. D. 2004. Public understanding of and attitudes toward scientific research: what we know and what we need to know. Public Understanding of Science 13: 273-294.
NBS. Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Understanding. Science and Engineering Indicators: 2010. Chapter 7. http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c7/c7h.htm
Nisbet, M.C., Scheuffele, D. A. 2009. What’s next for science communication. American Journal of Botany. 96(10):1767-1778
Nisbet, M.C., Hixon, M.A., et al. 2010. Four cultures: new synergies for engaging society on climate change. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 8(6): 329-331.
Osmond, D. L., Nadkarni, N.M., et al. 2010. The role of interface organizations in science communication and understanding. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 8(6): 306-313
Whitmer, A., Ogden, L, et al. 2010. The engaged university: providing a platform for research that transforms society. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 8(6): 314-321
Support To/From Scientists
Andrews E., Weaver. A. et al. 2005. Scientists and Public Outreach: participation, motivations, and impediments. Journal of Geoscience Education (53)3: 281-293.
Friedman, A. (Ed). 2008. Framework for evaluating impacts of informal science education projects. Report from NSF workshop.
Leshner, A. 2007. Outreach training needed. Science 315: 161.
Reddy, C. 2009. Scientist Citizens. Science 323: 1405.
Royal Society. Survey of factors affecting science communication by scientists and engineers. Science Communication. June 2006.