The 3-Week Science Communication Challenge: Turning Research into Stories for Real Audiences

Abstract

This resource provides a structured, three-week learning experience for helping students communicate scientific research to non-expert audiences. Students select a research article, identify its central findings and limitations, investigate background information, and determine what their intended audience needs to understand. They develop a narrative, create a supporting visual, practice their message, collect feedback from peers and an outside audience, and revise their work before delivering a final presentation. The module includes guided activities, reflection questions, and opportunities for iterative improvement. Instructors can adapt the research topics, audience choices, presentation format, and pacing to fit their courses. The resource is suitable for exploring connections between scientific literacy, storytelling, audience-centered communication, and public understanding of research.