Using children’s literature and public libraries to prepare STEM students to communicate technical knowledge

Abstract

This unit activity describes a series of lessons designed to enhance STEM students’ technical communication abilities. The lessons culminate in two separate yet interconnected projects: (1) the development of a children’s book explaining a complex topic and (2) presentations of those books to members of the local community. Students learn the characteristics defining communication for problem solving and are allowed to apply that knowledge across multiple modalities, focusing primarily on the interplay between audience analysis and the simplification of scientific concepts.

Courses

Technical Writing and Communication, Advanced Public Speaking.

Objectives

By the end of this activity, students should be able to (1) translate complex technical knowledge for the general public effectively, (2) conduct audience analysis, and (3) adapt messages based on the identified objectives of the communicative situation.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr. Allyson DeVito for her help facilitating the library partnership, as well as Eden Wilder, Amanda Wheeler, and the rest of the staff at the Kloiber Foundation STEAM Lab for their support and guidance.