19 October 2016

Upcoming Opportunities for Science-Communication Training

Richard Fienberg

Richard Fienberg American Astronomical Society

We still have a few spaces left in our fifth annual AAS Astronomy Ambassadors workshop, to be held in conjunction with the 229th AAS meeting in Grapevine, Texas, on Tuesday & Wednesday, 3 & 4 January 2017. The Astronomy Ambassadors program is designed to support early-career AAS members with training in resources and techniques for effective outreach to K-12 students, families, and the public. Workshop participants will learn to communicate more effectively with public and school audiences; find outreach opportunities and establish ongoing partnerships with local schools, museums, parks, and/or community centers; reach audiences with personal stories, hands-on activities, and jargon-free language; identify strategies and techniques to improve their presentation skills; gain access to a menu of outreach resources that work in a variety of settings; and become part of an active community of astronomers who do outreach.

Among many other topics, we will discuss the opportunity for astronomy education and outreach represented by the 21 August 2017 "All-American" solar eclipse and what programs, resources, and ideas are already being developed to help do classroom and public outreach for it. If you missed the 17 October deadline but are still interested, please apply by Monday, 31 Octoberfor one of the remaining spaces in the workshop. Note that while there is no registration fee for the workshop itself, you must register for the AAS meeting at the rate appropriate to your AAS membership class.

For DC-area astronomers and space scientists at all career levels, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) offers a one-day workshop, "Sharing Science with Any Audience," at their headquarters in Dupont Circle at 2000 Florida Ave., NW, on Monday, 31 October, from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern time. At this free hands-on workshop you'll learn how to

  • Reach out to and connect with the audience of your choosing.
  • Prepare clear and compelling remarks that will resonate with that audience.
  • Address controversial topics or potentially unreceptive audiences.

Advance sign-up is required, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch will be provided. Learn more and register now!