Science Communication Activities

Below is a full list of all Science Communication Activities that will be taking place at Entomology 2017 located in Denver, Colorado, November 5-8, 2017.  Register today to be a part of the conversation!

Plenary Speaker
Mary Roach
is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary CanalPacking For Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the VoidStiff: The Curious Lives of Human CadaversBonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and SexSpook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, and her latest, Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at WarPacking For Mars is a New York Times Editor's Choice and a "One City, One Book" selection for San Francisco. Stiff has been translated into 26 languages and Spook was a New York Times Notable Book. Mary has written for National GeographicWiredNew ScientistThe New York Times Book Review, The Journal of Clinical Anatomy, and Outside, among others.

Program Symposia

  • Grand Challenges: Tackling Invasive Species and Communication Strategies - The grand challenges symposium seeks to address how each section is addressing the science of invasive species and what we have done to communicate our science either in a cross-disciplinary way or to the public at-large. We will have an interactive learning opportunity that addresses science communication.
  • Igniting the Spark: Science Communication by the Next Generation for Entomologists - The focus of this symposium is to explore the use and future directions of science communication from an early career professional (ECP) perspective, featuring mostly young entomologists. Speakers will offer expertise using myriad techniques and platforms, and in communicating to a range of audiences.

Member Symposia

  • Communication at the Intersection of Urban and Forest Communities - The urban-forest interface is increasing in area and human population, yet there is a disturbing disconnect among natural resource experts, foresters, and residents. We will highlight creative ways scientists bridge the gap in communication among these groups. Audience members will participate in activities and view problems from different perspectives.
  • Orthopteroids: Innovative Organisms to Ignite and Inspire Scientific Research and Communication - Orthopteroid insects are common and include some of the most recognizable creatures on Earth, but are rarely represented at ESA meetings. I have addressed this by running orthopteroid-focused symposia at the last three national ESA conferences because orthopteroids are innovative organisms that can ignite and inspire scientific research and communication.
  • The Challenges of Effective Vector Control at the Intersection of Science, Policy, and Communications - The symposium will address vector control for improving public health while enhancing our efforts to overcome negative public perceptions. Drawing on their experiences in studying or implementing vector control activities, speakers will address the communication and policy issues that influence the outcomes of planned interventions.

Workshops

  • Promulgate Your Passion: Techniques to Create, Engage, and Communicate Science - Introductory multimedia workshop (photography, video & graphic media basics). Oration/presentation techniques (exercises such as crafting elevator pitches for general audiences). Deep dive into digital/visual creative communication (includes hands-on activities that illustrate design fundamentals, the importance of branding, audience identification, and general workflows/processes for creative content production).
     
  • Ignite, Inspire, and Innovate through Education and Outreach - The Education and Outreach Committee and Dow AgroSciences Science Ambassadors will lead hands-on activities highlighting STEM themes using insects or insect systems. These activities will be taught in small groups. This workshop will be useful for participants already involved with outreach and those with no prior experience with K-12 programs.

Lunch and Learns

  • 1,2...Eyes on You: Classroom Management, Crowd Control and How to Rock Any Outreach Presentation - Kristie Reddick of The Bug Chicks teaches strategies, techniques and tricks to help you rock any outreach event: rowdy, kids or teens, large and small spaces. She will help you feel invincible and inspirational with her battle-tested tips.
  • Creative Writing for Entomologists: Short Forms and Little Creatures - Participants will transform their entomological knowledge into captivating short-form writing (nano-essays, micro-memoir and flash fiction of 6-60 words) optimal for use on websites and social media—and ideal as seeds for longer pieces. Knowledge of insects and a sense of playfulness are all that are needed for this venture.
  • How to Talk to a Nine Year Old about Climate Change (and Other Tough Concepts!) Using Informal Invertebrate Education -In this session, we will discuss how to address difficult concepts that arise in scientific or public institutions in an accurate yet approachable way. Through hands-on demonstrations of best practices from Butterfly Pavilion, we will discover methods to deliver effective interpretation that empowers environmental action.
  • Inspiring Science through Storytelling - Formal scientific communication is appropriate for providing a detailed record of inquiry and discovery, but it is not inherently inspiring. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to engage humans with science. This interactive session will teach participants how to apply the fundamental tenants of storytelling to reach diverse audiences.
  • Science Policy 101 for the Entomologist - Because local, state, and federal governments determine science policy, science funding priorities, and funding allocation levels, entomologists must be engaged with science policy advocacy. This session will teach participants about their elected representatives, how to find points of agreement, and how to engage with policy makers in a face-to-face setting.
  • This Week in Science Podcast Live Taping! Come, eat lunch, and be part of the audience for a live taping of the popular podcast, This Week in Science! Hosts Dr. Kiki Sanford, Justin Jackson, and Blaire Bazdarich will interview a number of entomologists that represent the different faces and stories of entomology.