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There are 4 modules in this course
In this course, you will explore different modalities of science communication, including oral presentations, written forms of communication, technology, and artistic media, including best practices for each.
Welcome to course 3! In the first module, you will learn important considerations for effective oral presentations, including best practices for giving live, recorded, and virtual presentations. In addition, we will also cover best practices for creating visual supports (poster, PowerPoint slides) to help communicate your message during an oral presentation. We will also discuss best practices for media interviews.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 discussion prompts1 plugin
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 32 minutes
Course Introduction•5 minutes
Best Practices For Public Speaking: Style•7 minutes
Best Practices For Public Speaking: Content•8 minutes
Interview Best Practices with Julie Poppen•12 minutes
6 readings•Total 51 minutes
Course Updates and Accessibility Support•1 minute
Julian Treasure TED Talk: How to Speak so that People Want to Listen•10 minutes
6 Rules of Great Storytelling (As Told by Pixar)•10 minutes
7 Storytelling Techniques Used by the Most Inspiring TED Presenters•10 minutes
Optional Podcast Episode: Learning to See Science in the World•10 minutes
Optional Dr. Melanie Peffer TED Talk: How Rethinking Biology Can Positively Change Your Life•10 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Warm-up•10 minutes
Oral Presentation Critique•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
Introduce Yourself Map Padlet•15 minutes
Written Forms of Communication
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn best practices for writing as a vehicle for science communication. Rather than focusing on grammar and general writing mechanics, this section will focus on how to effectively use the written form as a tool for science outreach, including how formal scientific writing varies from pieces for the general public.
Common Pitfalls in Science vs. General Public Writing•8 minutes
Types of Public Facing Articles•11 minutes
Interview with Hillary Rosner, Science Journalist and Editor•21 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Optional: Talking About Science in a Pandemic: A Golden Opportunity for Science Communication•10 minutes
Optional: My Journey to Writing Biology Everywhere and Tips for Self-Publishing•10 minutes
ONLY SUBMIT 1 PEER REVIEW BELOW•5 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 120 minutes
Message Map Activity•60 minutes
Message Map Activity•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Warm-up•10 minutes
Technological Forms of Communication
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn about technological forms of science communication outside traditional media (e.g. written or oral communication). In this module, we will discuss how science is communicated through various forms of educational technologies, including computer games, simulations, and social media. We will also briefly discuss learning analytics and their utility in understanding learning in technology-based environments.
What's included
4 videos1 reading2 discussion prompts
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 54 minutes
Introduction to Educational Technologies•4 minutes
Social Media for Science Communication•7 minutes
Learning Analytics•8 minutes
Interview with Jim Slotta, Professor of Education•35 minutes
1 reading•Total 3 minutes
Learning Analytics in a Nutshell•3 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Warm-up•10 minutes
Final Project Planning•10 minutes
Artistic Forms of Communication
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn about the importance of artistic forms of science communication. The arts can serve as an important gateway between scientists and the rest of society making difficult or abstract concepts feel more personal and less intimidating. Here, we will talk about use of art, such as photography as well as music to help feel others connected to science topics.
What's included
4 videos8 readings2 peer reviews1 plugin
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 40 minutes
The Arts as a Bridge to Science Communication•6 minutes
STEAMing Ahead•6 minutes
Adkins Interview•23 minutes
Wrap Up•5 minutes
8 readings•Total 70 minutes
Music Video: Science is Real by They Might Be Giants•10 minutes
Turning Trash into Art for Conservation•10 minutes
Photo Ark Interview with Joel Sartore•10 minutes
Comics and Science Education•10 minutes
TED-Ed video: Art and Neuroscience•10 minutes
Course 3 Resources•10 minutes
DESC Universal Final Project Instructions•5 minutes
ONLY SUBMIT 1 PEER REVIEW BELOW•5 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 120 minutes
Capstone Project Presentations•60 minutes
Course 3 Final Project•60 minutes
1 plugin•Total 5 minutes
Warm-up Padlet•5 minutes
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Learner reviews
4.3
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4 stars
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3 stars
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M
MM
5·
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025
Dr Melanie has done a great job with the material in the course. She is interesting to listen to and I felt I came away with a solid understanding from starting out completely green.
S
SR
5·
Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025
Great course! Helped me gain a thorough understanding of the subject.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.