Save hours of sweat and become an INSPIRATION with this simple step by step course for scientists visiting schools
You want to visit schools to share your passion and expertise but have no idea where to start
You would love to create activities that will be fun and interesting and won't bore the students
You are uncertain what to do if the students stop listening and lose focus
You have no idea how to work with students of different abilities or interests
You lack confidence in running a field trip where the students stay fully focused on learning
You have no idea how to keep students engaged during a workshop of several hours
You wish there was a way to organise a school visit quickly and easily
Preparing your visits was simple and stress free
You had a bullet proof plan for your sessions
The students were brimming with excitement and fully engaged
You had the confidence to run a field trip that was safe and memorable for everyone
You knew what to do if the children got distracted or disruptive
Instead of just sharing information YOU IGNITED INSPIRATION!
My name is Julian Thomson. I am a full time geoscience communicator living in Aotearoa New Zealand and my aim is to awaken awe and fascination for the natural world.
I have a geology and high school teaching background, and since 2008 I have worked as a full time science communicator. I also train teachers in curriculum design and practical classroom teaching.
I have delivered science content via school visits, field trips, teacher workshops, YouTube videos, websites, blogs, TV documentaries, social media - you name it.
I have won two national awards for my science communication activities.
My work has taken me all over NZ, and to Asia and also Antarctica.
Now I help scientists and other experts to confidently share what they know both with schools and to the general public.
Working with school children is not the same as giving a powerpoint presentation to your adult colleagues!
You need to understand what gets children's attention, what interests them about new information and any activities you are sharing with them.
You need to know how to grip them from the start, how much to talk and how to listen. You need to be aware of your voice, how you ask and answer questions, and when to re-direct attention to a new activity or topic.
You need to appreciate the simple but powerful way that storytelling can be used to get the whole class on board, and master some simple strategies that will keep them all engaged.
Welcome to the art of Science Communication in Middle Schools!
This course that will give you everything you need to do to set up successful, easy and enjoyable school visits.
The importance of knowing your motivations and purpose
The three types of engagements you could offer
Basic child psychology and learning styles
How to create magic with a simple method for powerful storytelling
How to initiate a visit to a school
How to plan a varied and engaging classroom session
How to plan a workshop or hands-on activity session
How to run a class field trip
How to organise and plan a multi-day educational event
How to end your visit to maximise the value for the students
How to accelerate your communication and education skills
This course is endorsed by the GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON and the GEOSCIENCE SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
James Crampton, Professor of Paleontology, Victoria University of Wellington.
Haritina Mogosanu, executive director NZAN and senior space science communicator at Star Safari
Dr Ursula Cochran, Earthquake Geologist and science communicator
Jenny Stein, Geologist and science communicator
Dr Andrew Martin, Antarctic scientist
Dr Haydon Mort, CEO Geologize Ltd
Have a look here for some further info:
The skills covered in this course are applicable for any person who visits schools to share their specialisation, whether or not it has anything to do with science. I focus on science as an example because that is my particular niche.
The course contains 13 modules that you can work through at your own pace. This includes a workbook and videos. The sessions are from 5 to 12 minutes long, but you will of course need more time to work through your own individual planning.
This course will best suit working approximately in the 10 to 14 year age range.
Yes, there is a downloadable course completion certificate.
I am of the opinion that if you can be an effective communicator / educator in schools you will have the skills you need for other science communication activities. However for some in depth coaching in building a science communication practice I have an additional Science Communication coaching programme.
I want to quickly ramp up my skills and confidence for my science communication in schools, without wasting the extra time it would take to do it on my own
Working with school students is THE best way to rapidly upskill on how to communicate to non-specialists.
Most scientists have no idea how much having a basic public science communication ability opens up their options. By widening their network, raising their visibility, becoming known as an authority (yes - even you lowly grad students!) and bringing about new opportunities and career benefits, they gain a massive advantage.
So if you are unsure, I encourage you to think about the advantage you create for yourself by jumping on this course.
I break down everything into simple achievable steps for you. This course will condense over three decades of teaching know-how from an old guy who has been at the chalk face since before your first day in kindi!
So do yourself the biggest favour and hit that button! Yes - it's that big orange one right there!