The Nebraska Science Ambassadors (NESA) Program is an experiential learning program that will introduce students to basic principles of science communication, including online science communication and informal science education.
The program runs from February 18 to March 11, 2022 and will meet via Zoom each Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is also an in-person practicum experience at the Crane Trust in Kearney, Nebraska with Eight-Legged Encounters.
Participants in the program will receive:
- A Professional Certificate
- Opportunity to sign up for degree credit
- Potential to receive pay after the program
Program Overview:
Module meetings are on Zoom from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- 2/18: Module #1 - Overview of Science Communication
- 2/25: Module #2 - Online Science Communication
- 3/4: Module #3 - Informal Science Learning
- 3/5: Eight-Legged Encounter Community Event at Crane Trust in Kearney, NE
- 3/11: Module #4 - After School Clubs & Working with Youth
- Define science communication.
- Discuss challenges related to science communication.
- dentify and analyze target audiences for science communication.
- Develop messaging to communicate science to target audiences.
- Understand best practices in assessing and evaluating science communication strategies.
- Discuss challenges related to online science communication.
- Write about science appropriately for online channels.
- Apply principles of visual design to online science communication.
- Develop a social media strategy to communicate science.
- Explain similarities and differences between informal and formal science education.
- Demonstrate an understanding of distinct science communication goals.
- Recognize, value, and build upon the diversity encompassed in target audiences.
- Rigorously assess the strengths/weaknesses and successes/failures of informal science learning programs.
- Engage the public effectively as a facilitator of the informal science learning event, Eight-Legged Encounters.
- Reflect upon, synthesize, and learn from informal science education experiences.
This form will ask if you would like to earn 1 credit hour for participating in this program. If you indicate yes or maybe, you will receive an email with directions for course registration. Please note, if you do not register for course credit at the beginning of the semester, you cannot retroactively request course credit once the program has completed.
Please contact Dr. Taylor Ruth at taylor.ruth@unl.edu with any questions about registering for the program.