Why does the media tend to get information about evolution wrong? Discovering the real answers about evolution can be difficult because scientists are not often trained as public communicators. Communicating complex evolutionary concepts in a way that is accessible to a broad audience is challenging and takes practice. In this course, my students practice reading and writing science with the ultimate goal of communicating science in a way that is both accurate and accessible to a broad audience.

My students learn how to analyze, critique, and digest scientific studies into forms accessible to non-scientists. They work through examples of good and bad popular science media and discover how misrepresentation of research can lead to misconceptions about evolution. Each week my students read scientific studies covering our discussion topics and sourcse of that topics covered by the media. We engage in lively discussions about the good and bad of science in the media and troubleshoot ways to communicate research more effectively. 

My students practice writing scientifically by constructing their own popular science articles and scientific abstracts. My students leave this class as an effective communicator with an enhanced ability to ask questions about the world around you.