Science Communication in Theory and Practice

by Stocklmayer, Sue; Gore, Michael M.; Bryant, Chris

• ISBN13: 9781402001307
• ISBN10: 1402001304
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-04-01
• Publisher: Kluwer Academic Pub

Summary

This book provides an overview of the theory and practice of science communication. It covers the whole area and illustrates it by looking at the experience of research workers in science communication and those whose task is to put science communication into practice. It deals with modes of informal communication such as science centres, television programs, and journalism and the research that informs practitioners about the effectiveness of their programs. It aims to meet the needs of those studying science communication as well as the increasing numbers of people who are employed in science centres and museums but have no formal training in this field. It is envisaged that the book will form a readily accessible source of expertise for communicators.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Acknowledgement	viii
Introduction and Overview	ix
Susan M. Stocklmayer
Michael M. Gore
Chris Bryant
SECTION 1: TOWARDS A THEORETICAL BASIS FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
The Background to Effective Science Communication by the Public	3	(20)
Susan M. Stocklmayer
Science Communication with the Public: A Cross Cultural Event	23	(24)
Glenn Aikenhead
More than Story Telling-Reflecting on Popular Science	47	(16)
Jon Turney
Topical Perspective and the Rhetorical Grounds of Practical Reason in Arguments About Science	63	(20)
Lawrence J Prelli
Postmodern Science: The Decline or Liberation of Science	83	(14)
Richard Eckersley
SECTION 2: THE EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Conversations in a Landscape of Science and Magic: Thinking about Science Communication	97	(10)
David Sless
Ruth Shrensky
Communicating Science Through Interactive Science Research Centres: A Research Perspective	107	(16)
Leonie J. Rennie
Towards a Unified Model of Education and Entertainment in Technology Centres	123	(20)
John K. Gilbert
Reaching the Public - Communicating the Vision	143	(8)
Susan M. Stocklmayer
SECTION 3: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AND THE MEDIA
Science Journalism: the Inside Story	151	(18)
Peter Spinks
Presenting a Radio Science Program: Engaging the Public Interest	169	(8)
Deborah Cohen
Science Communication via Television and the World Wide Web	177	(14)
Ian Allen
SECTION 4: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION IN PRACTICE: CASE HISTORIES
New Visions for Associations for the Advancement of Science: A Case Study	191	(12)
Peter Briggs
The Edinburgh International Science Festival	203	(16)
Simon Gage
The Questacon Story	219	(18)
Michael M. Gore
The Anatomy of a Science Circus and the Development of a Graduate Program in Science Communication	237	(20)
Chris Bryant
Learning by Building (Destroying and Tinkering, Too): A Powerful Science Communication Tool	257	(14)
Vivian Altmann
Modesto Tamez
Dennis Bartels
EPILOGUE: REFLECTIONS OF AN EMINENT SCIENTIST
Learning Science Communication on the Job	271	(8)
Peter Doherty
Notes on Contributors	279