Elizabeth Crocker

Presenter(s):
Elizabeth Crocker, American Geophysical Union

Primary Convener:
Elizabeth Crocker, American Geophysical Union

Community science is a powerful tool for connecting non-scientist community members to scientific expertise, skills, knowledge, and applications. A key component to successful and ethical community science efforts is centering community priorities rather than those of scientific institutions. In practice, this means treating community members as equal thought partners who help determine the questions to ask, the data to gather, the solutions to apply, and the ethical boundaries for these endeavors. However, this model can be challenging to implement because it flips the traditional unidirectional method of public engagement that most scientific institutions implement. Guidance for how to do this well is lacking especially since a ground-up model results in approaches that must be responsive to each new context. Four short-form documentaries highlight the power of science communication and provide case studies that illustrate the impacts, processes, and best practices of community science within the context of each community’s perspective. After viewing each short film, a panel of project participants will discuss their experiences and the process of using video format to communicate their science work. The audience will be invited to ask questions of the panel and participate in a broader discussion about science communication, community science, and documentaries.

Cross-Listed:
SY - Science and Society
GH - GeoHealth
H - Hydrology
OS - Ocean Sciences