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.