Strategies for Public Engagement

In this two-credit course, students will develop an understanding of how people learn; acquire tools for engaging a range of academic and non-academic audiences; evaluate and select appropriate communication platforms; and complete projects that build scientific literacy and motivation for lifelong learning among members of the public. Student projects may be used in U-M Museum of Natural History online programming.

Drawing from their own experiences and field of study, students will practice high impact science communication that addresses community needs and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. This course is taught collaboratively by U-M Museum of Natural History public engagement professionals and other U-M science communication practitioners. Topics will include the pedagogy of informal learning environments, messaging for public audiences, K-12 outreach, hands-on engagement, visual and oral presentations, podcasting, and more.