Course details

8.3594

BrainBuzz - science communication lab

S
SS 2023 Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Tim Christian Kietzmann OFFLINE
4h/wk
8 ECTS
B.Sc modules:
CS-BWP-MCS - Methods of Cognitive Science
M.Sc modules:
CC-MP-IDC - Interdisciplinary Course
CS-MP-IDC - Interdisciplinary Course

CS-BW - Bachelor elective course
CS-MW - Master elective course
Doctorate program
Mon: 14-18

Content and goal: Science needs science communication and outreach to the general public. Yet, the training of most (cognitive) scientists does not cover this important aspect. This course aims to change this. You will learn to create materials for science outreach (demos, live-experiments, 3D printing, presentations), specifically to demonstrate what cognitive science is all about. Our focus will be on school children/young adults, and we will contact schools in the area to literally reach out and give presentations/demo days in their communities. A large aspect of the seminar will be the creation of materials, including 3D printing of various animal brains, brains of different gender and age groups. As a starting point, we have access to materials used at the University of Cambridge, with whom we can collaborate. Target audience: MSc students and BSc students in (preferably) their final year. Because of the target group, the materials will be prepared in German, and hence fluent German is a course requirement. Grading: Active participation is a requirement for passing this course, as is a final report that the students will write to reflect on communication aspects that worked well, and that did not work well, specifically from having gained first-hand experience in science communication in schools.