Articles | Volume 4, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-437-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-437-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
30 Sep 2021
Research article |
| 30 Sep 2021
| 30 Sep 2021
The future of conferences: lessons from Europe's largest online geoscience conference
Hazel Gibson
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
European Geosciences Union, Munich, Germany
Sam Illingworth
Department of Learning and Teaching Enhancement, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
Susanne Buiter
Tectonics and Geodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
Related authors
Hazel Gibson, Iain S. Stewart, Sabine Pahl, and Alison Stokes
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1737–1749, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper provides empirical evidence for the value of using a psychology-based approach to communication of hydrology and hazards. It demonstrates the use of the "mental models" approach to risk assessment used in a regional geoscience context to explore the conceptions of the geological subsurface between experts and non-experts, and how that impacts on communication.
Shahzad Gani, Louise Arnal, Lucy Beattie, John Hillier, Sam Illingworth, Tiziana Lanza, Solmaz Mohadjer, Karoliina Pulkkinen, Heidi Roop, Iain Stewart, Kirsten von Elverfeldt, and Stephanie Zihms
Geosci. Commun., 7, 251–266, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-251-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-251-2024, 2024
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Science communication in geosciences has societal and scientific value but often operates in “shadowlands”. This editorial highlights these issues and proposes potential solutions. Our objective is to create a transparent and responsible geoscience communication landscape, fostering scientific progress, the well-being of scientists, and societal benefits.
Minja Sillanpää, AnaCapri Mauro, Minttu Hänninen, Sam Illingworth, and Mo Hamza
Geosci. Commun., 7, 167–193, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-167-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-167-2024, 2024
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Minions of Disruptions is a climate change game designed as a communication tool for groups that do not regularly engage with the topic. In our research, we find that the game is liked by the general public because it encourages collective action. This is important because most local climate challenges can only be solved by groups and because gameplay can increase collaboration. The results of this study may be used to develop communication tools that better consider the needs of the audiences.
Natalie Hummel, Susanne Buiter, and Zoltán Erdős
Solid Earth, 15, 567–587, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-567-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-567-2024, 2024
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Simulations of subducting tectonic plates often use material properties extrapolated from the behavior of small rock samples in a laboratory to conditions found in the Earth. We explore several typical approaches to simulating these extrapolated material properties and show that they produce very rigid subducting plates with unrealistic dynamics. Our findings imply that subducting plates deform by additional mechanisms that are less commonly implemented in simulations.
Denise Degen, Daniel Caviedes Voullième, Susanne Buiter, Harrie-Jan Hendricks Franssen, Harry Vereecken, Ana González-Nicolás, and Florian Wellmann
Geosci. Model Dev., 16, 7375–7409, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-16-7375-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-16-7375-2023, 2023
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In geosciences, we often use simulations based on physical laws. These simulations can be computationally expensive, which is a problem if simulations must be performed many times (e.g., to add error bounds). We show how a novel machine learning method helps to reduce simulation time. In comparison to other approaches, which typically only look at the output of a simulation, the method considers physical laws in the simulation itself. The method provides reliable results faster than standard.
Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 6, 131–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-131-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-6-131-2023, 2023
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In this article, I explore the various ways the geosciences can be communicated to a wider audience. I focus on creative methods that range from sharing information to involving the public in the research process. By using examples from my own work and the wider literature, I demonstrate how these approaches can engage diverse communities and promote greater recognition for geoscience communication.
Nicolás Molnar and Susanne Buiter
Solid Earth, 14, 213–235, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-213-2023, 2023
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Progression of orogenic wedges over pre-existing extensional structures is common in nature, but deciphering the spatio-temporal evolution of deformation from the geological record remains challenging. Our laboratory experiments provide insights on how horizontal stresses are transferred across a heterogeneous crust, constrain which pre-shortening conditions can either favour or hinder the reactivatation of extensional structures, and explain what implications they have on critical taper theory.
Frank Zwaan, Guido Schreurs, Susanne J. H. Buiter, Oriol Ferrer, Riccardo Reitano, Michael Rudolf, and Ernst Willingshofer
Solid Earth, 13, 1859–1905, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1859-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1859-2022, 2022
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When a sedimentary basin is subjected to compressional tectonic forces after its formation, it may be inverted. A thorough understanding of such
basin inversionis of great importance for scientific, societal, and economic reasons, and analogue tectonic models form a key part of our efforts to study these processes. We review the advances in the field of basin inversion modelling, showing how the modelling results can be applied, and we identify promising venues for future research.
Caitlyn A. Hall, Sam Illingworth, Solmaz Mohadjer, Mathew Koll Roxy, Craig Poku, Frederick Otu-Larbi, Darryl Reano, Mara Freilich, Maria-Luisa Veisaga, Miguel Valencia, and Joey Morales
Geosci. Commun., 5, 275–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-5-275-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-5-275-2022, 2022
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In this manifesto, we offer six points of reflection that higher education geoscience educators can act upon to recognise and unlearn their biases and diversify the geosciences in higher education, complementing current calls for institutional and organisational change. This serves as a starting point to gather momentum to establish community-built opportunities for implementing and strengthening diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice holistically in geoscience education.
Alice Wardle and Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 5, 221–225, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-5-221-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-5-221-2022, 2022
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Participants answered four questions concerning their experience writing a haiku based on a geoscience extract. Data were categorised as being part of the
Task Processor
Task Meaning. The themes involved in the
Task Processwere
Identification of significant information,
Distillation of informationand
Metamorphosis of text, while the themes related to
Task Meaningwere made up of
Enjoyable,
Challenging(which has sub-themes
Frustratingand
Restricted) and
Valuable.
Susanne J. H. Buiter, Sascha Brune, Derek Keir, and Gwenn Peron-Pinvidic
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-139, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-139, 2022
Preprint archived
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Continental rifts can form when and where continents are stretched. Rifts are characterised by faults, sedimentary basins, earthquakes and/or volcanism. If rifting can continue, a rift may break a continent into conjugate margins such as along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In some cases, however, rifting fails, such as in the West African Rift. We discuss continental rifting from inception to break-up, focussing on the processes at play, and illustrate these with several natural examples.
John K. Hillier, Katharine E. Welsh, Mathew Stiller-Reeve, Rebecca K. Priestley, Heidi A. Roop, Tiziana Lanza, and Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 4, 493–506, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-493-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-493-2021, 2021
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In this editorial we expand upon the brief advice in the first editorial of Geoscience Communication (Illingworth et al., 2018), illustrating what constitutes robust and publishable work for this journal and elucidating its key elements. Our aim is to help geoscience communicators plan a route to publication and to illustrate how good engagement work that is already being done might be developed into publishable research.
Arianna Soldati and Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 3, 73–87, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-73-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-73-2020, 2020
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In this study we investigate what poetry written about volcanoes from the 1800s to the present day reveals about the relationship between humanity and volcanoes, including how it evolved over that time frame. This analysis reveals that the human–volcano relationship is especially centred around the sense of identity that volcanoes provide to humans, which may follow from both positive and negative events, and has a spiritual element to it.
Jonathan P. Tennant, Sam Illingworth, Iain Stewart, and Kirsten von Elverfeldt
Geosci. Commun., 3, 71–72, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-71-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-71-2020, 2020
Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 3, 35–47, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-35-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-35-2020, 2020
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To many non-specialists, the science behind climate change can appear confusing and alienating, yet in order for global mitigation efforts to be successful it is not just scientists who need to take action, but rather society as a whole. This study shows how poets and poetry offer a method of communicating the science of climate change to the wider society
using language that they not only better understand, but which also has the potential to stimulate accountability and inspire action.
Rolf Hut, Casper Albers, Sam Illingworth, and Chris Skinner
Geosci. Commun., 2, 117–124, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-117-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-117-2019, 2019
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Game worlds in modern computer games, while they include very Earth-like landscapes, are ultimately fake. Since games can be used for learning, we wondered if people pick up wrong information from games. Using a survey we tested if people with a background in geoscience are better than people without such a background at distinguishing if game landscapes are realistic. We found that geoscientists are significantly better at this, but the difference is small and overall everyone is good at it.
Frank Zwaan, Guido Schreurs, and Susanne J. H. Buiter
Solid Earth, 10, 1063–1097, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1063-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1063-2019, 2019
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This work was inspired by an effort to numerically reproduce laboratory models of extension tectonics. We tested various set-ups to find a suitable analogue model and in the process systematically charted the impact of set-ups and boundary conditions on model results, a topic poorly described in existing scientific literature. We hope that our model results and the discussion on which specific tectonic settings they could represent may serve as a guide for future (analogue) modeling studies.
Maria Loroño-Leturiondo, Paul O'Hare, Simon J. Cook, Stephen R. Hoon, and Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 2, 39–53, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-39-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-39-2019, 2019
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Urban centres worldwide are adversely affected by flooding and air pollution. Effective communication between experts and citizens is key to understanding and limiting the impact of these hazards, as citizens have valuable knowledge based on their day-to-day experiences. In this study, we compare five different communication formats that can facilitate the required dialogue and explore the best ways and optimal circumstances in which these can be implemented.
Sam Illingworth, Alice Bell, Stuart Capstick, Adam Corner, Piers Forster, Rosie Leigh, Maria Loroño Leturiondo, Catherine Muller, Harriett Richardson, and Emily Shuckburgh
Geosci. Commun., 1, 9–24, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-1-9-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-1-9-2018, 2018
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Climate change is real, it is happening now, and it will not be stopped by the sole efforts of scientists. This study shows how poetry and open conversation can be used to develop a dialogue around mitigating climate change with different communities, including faith groups and people living with disabilities. Furthermore, it shows how this dialogue can help us to better understand the opportunities that these communities present in tackling the negative effects of human-made climate change.
Sam Illingworth, Iain Stewart, Jonathan Tennant, and Kirsten von Elverfeldt
Geosci. Commun., 1, 1–7, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-1-1-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-1-1-2018, 2018
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Welcome to the journal of Geoscience Communication! We decided to write this editorial in order to introduce ourselves (the executive editors of GC), to provide a history of its development, and to serve as a guideline for future authors who wish to submit to this journal. We hope that this article serves as a useful aid for people who are considering publishing in GC, as well as the wider geoscience community, and that it can act in the first instance as a FAQ for authors, editors, and readers alike.
Maria Loroño-Leturiondo, Paul O'Hare, Simon Cook, Stephen R. Hoon, and Sam Illingworth
Adv. Sci. Res., 15, 45–50, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-15-45-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-15-45-2018, 2018
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Globally we are facing both an air quality crisis and a communication emergency. Communication efforts so far have been based on a one-way provision of information from experts to society, and have arguably failed in their mission to foster a more engaged society, or to result in cleaner air. This paper supports the case for moving away from one-way communication, and identifies five benefits of a practical two-way communication between experts and citizens in order to engender positive change.
Hazel Gibson, Iain S. Stewart, Sabine Pahl, and Alison Stokes
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1737–1749, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper provides empirical evidence for the value of using a psychology-based approach to communication of hydrology and hazards. It demonstrates the use of the "mental models" approach to risk assessment used in a regional geoscience context to explore the conceptions of the geological subsurface between experts and non-experts, and how that impacts on communication.
G. Allen, S. M. Illingworth, S. J. O'Shea, S. Newman, A. Vance, S. J.-B. Bauguitte, F. Marenco, J. Kent, K. Bower, M. W. Gallagher, J. Muller, C. J. Percival, C. Harlow, J. Lee, and J. P. Taylor
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 4401–4416, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-4401-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-4401-2014, 2014
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This paper presents a validated method and data set for new retrievals of trace gas concentrations and temperature from the ARIES infrared spectrometer instrument on the UK Atmospheric Research Aircraft (www.faam.ac.uk). This new capability for the aircraft will allow new science to be done because of the way it can sense information about the atmosphere without having to physically pass through it (remote sensing). This will allow us to better understand the make-up of the lower atmosphere.
S. J. O'Shea, G. Allen, M. W. Gallagher, K. Bower, S. M. Illingworth, J. B. A. Muller, B. T. Jones, C. J. Percival, S. J-B. Bauguitte, M. Cain, N. Warwick, A. Quiquet, U. Skiba, J. Drewer, K. Dinsmore, E. G. Nisbet, D. Lowry, R. E. Fisher, J. L. France, M. Aurela, A. Lohila, G. Hayman, C. George, D. B. Clark, A. J. Manning, A. D. Friend, and J. Pyle
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 14, 13159–13174, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13159-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-14-13159-2014, 2014
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This paper presents airborne measurements of greenhouse gases collected in the European Arctic. Regional scale flux estimates for the northern Scandinavian wetlands are derived. These fluxes are found to be in excellent agreement with coincident surface measurements within the aircraft's sampling domain. This has allowed a significant low bias to be identified in two commonly used process-based land surface models.
J. L. Tetreault and S. J. H. Buiter
Solid Earth, 5, 1243–1275, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-1243-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-1243-2014, 2014
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Continents are composed of a collage of accreted terranes: tectonically sutured crustal units of various origins. This review covers the cycle of terrane accretion from the original entity (modern-day oceanic island arcs, oceanic plateaus, submarine ridges, seamounts, continental fragments, and microcontinents) to present-day examples of terrane accretion to finally allochthonous accreted terranes.
M. E. T. Quinquis and S. J. H. Buiter
Solid Earth, 5, 537–555, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-537-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-537-2014, 2014
S. M. Illingworth, G. Allen, S. Newman, A. Vance, F. Marenco, R. C. Harlow, J. Taylor, D. P. Moore, and J. J. Remedios
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 7, 1133–1150, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1133-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-7-1133-2014, 2014
S. J. O'Shea, G. Allen, M. W. Gallagher, S. J.-B. Bauguitte, S. M. Illingworth, M. Le Breton, J. B. A. Muller, C. J. Percival, A. T. Archibald, D. E. Oram, M. Parrington, P. I. Palmer, and A. C. Lewis
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 13, 12451–12467, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12451-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12451-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Geoscience engagement | Keyword: Science engagement and dialogue
Earth science for all? The economic barrier to European geoscience conferences
Evaluating the impact of climate communication activities by scientists: what is known and necessary?
Demonstrating change from a drop-in space soundscape exhibit by using graffiti walls both before and after
The human side of geoscientists: comparing geoscientists' and non-geoscientists' cognitive and affective responses to geology
In my remembered country: what poetry tells us about the changing perceptions of volcanoes between the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries
“This bookmark gauges the depths of the human”: how poetry can help to personalise climate change
Flash Flood!: a SeriousGeoGames activity combining science festivals, video games, and virtual reality with research data for communicating flood risk and geomorphology
An innovative STEM outreach model (OH-Kids) to foster the next generation of geoscientists, engineers, and technologists
Education and public engagement using an active research project: lessons and recipes from the SEA-SEIS North Atlantic Expedition's programme for Irish schools
Taking a Breath of the Wild: are geoscientists more effective than non-geoscientists in determining whether video game world landscapes are realistic?
Francyne Bochi do Amarante and Mauricio Barcelos Haag
Geosci. Commun., 7, 245–250, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-245-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-245-2024, 2024
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Conferences are key for knowledge exchange and networking. However, these events lack diversity, favoring wealthier countries and limiting opportunities for scholars from lower-income regions. Our study of the EGU meeting reveals that attendance is mostly influenced by a country's income. To promote inclusivity, we suggest rotating event locations, offering affordable accommodations, and establishing travel funds. These steps can help create a more diverse and innovative scientific community.
Frances Wijnen, Madelijn Strick, Mark Bos, and Erik van Sebille
Geosci. Commun., 7, 91–100, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-91-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-7-91-2024, 2024
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Climate scientists are urged to communicate climate science; there is very little evidence about what types of communication work well for which audiences. We have performed a systematic literature review to analyze what is known about the efficacy of climate communication by scientists. While we have found more than 60 articles in the last 10 years about climate communication activities by scientists, only 7 of these included some form of evaluation of the impact of the activity.
Martin O. Archer, Natt Day, and Sarah Barnes
Geosci. Commun., 4, 57–67, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-57-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-57-2021, 2021
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We show that integrating evaluation tools both before and after a drop-in engagement activity enables the demonstration of change and, thus, short-term impact. In our case, young families who listened to space sounds exhibited changed language and conceptions about space in their graffiti wall responses afterwards, exemplifying the power of sound in science communication. We suggest that evaluation tools be adopted both before and after drop-in activities in general.
Anthea Lacchia, Geertje Schuitema, and Fergus McAuliffe
Geosci. Commun., 3, 291–302, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-291-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-291-2020, 2020
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Geoscientists can struggle to communicate with non-geoscientists, especially around contentious geoscience issues. We compare the thoughts and feelings of geoscientists and non-geoscientists around the subsurface, mining/quarrying, drilling and flooding. We find that geoscientists focus more on human interactions when thinking about these processes, while non-geoscientists focus more on economic and environmental impacts. Understanding these differences and similarities can help enable dialogue.
Arianna Soldati and Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 3, 73–87, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-73-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-73-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we investigate what poetry written about volcanoes from the 1800s to the present day reveals about the relationship between humanity and volcanoes, including how it evolved over that time frame. This analysis reveals that the human–volcano relationship is especially centred around the sense of identity that volcanoes provide to humans, which may follow from both positive and negative events, and has a spiritual element to it.
Sam Illingworth
Geosci. Commun., 3, 35–47, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-35-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-35-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
To many non-specialists, the science behind climate change can appear confusing and alienating, yet in order for global mitigation efforts to be successful it is not just scientists who need to take action, but rather society as a whole. This study shows how poets and poetry offer a method of communicating the science of climate change to the wider society
using language that they not only better understand, but which also has the potential to stimulate accountability and inspire action.
Chris Skinner
Geosci. Commun., 3, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-1-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-1-2020, 2020
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This study demonstrates how the popular mediums of video games, virtual reality, and science festivals can be combined with research data to produce useful tools for engaging the public with geosciences. Using the Flash Flood! simulation, it is demonstrated that the approach produces positive engagements and increases curiosity about flood risk and geomorphology; this is hoped to "plant the seeds" for fruitful engagements in the future with relevant agencies.
Adrián Pedrozo-Acuña, Roberto J. Favero Jr., Alejandra Amaro-Loza, Roberta K. Mocva-Kurek, Juan A. Sánchez-Peralta, Jorge A. Magos-Hernández, and Jorge Blanco-Figueroa
Geosci. Commun., 2, 187–199, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-187-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-187-2019, 2019
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Inspiring young people to take part in the discovery and delivery of science is of paramount importance not only for their well-being but also for their future human development. To address this need, an outreach model entitled OH-Kids was designed to empower pupils through the development of high-quality STEM learning experiences based on a research project. The model enhances students attitude towards science.
Sergei Lebedev, Raffaele Bonadio, Clara Gómez-García, Janneke I. de Laat, Laura Bérdi, Bruna Chagas de Melo, Daniel Farrell, David Stalling, Céline Tirel, Louise Collins, Sadhbh McCarthy, Brendan O'Donoghue, Arne Schwenk, Mick Smyth, Christopher J. Bean, and the SEA-SEIS Team
Geosci. Commun., 2, 143–155, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-143-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-143-2019, 2019
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Research projects with exciting field components present unique public engagement opportunities. In this case study, we draw lessons and recipes from our educational programme with schools, coupled with a research project and aimed at showing students how science works. Co-creation with scientists gets the students enthusiastically engaged. The outcomes include students getting more interested in science and science careers and researchers getting experience in education and public engagement.
Rolf Hut, Casper Albers, Sam Illingworth, and Chris Skinner
Geosci. Commun., 2, 117–124, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-117-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2-117-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Game worlds in modern computer games, while they include very Earth-like landscapes, are ultimately fake. Since games can be used for learning, we wondered if people pick up wrong information from games. Using a survey we tested if people with a background in geoscience are better than people without such a background at distinguishing if game landscapes are realistic. We found that geoscientists are significantly better at this, but the difference is small and overall everyone is good at it.
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Short summary
In the spring of 2020, in response to the escalating global COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the European Geosciences Union (EGU) moved its annual General Assembly online in a matter of weeks. This paper explores the feedback provided by participants who attended this experimental conference and identifies four key themes that emerged from analysis of the survey (connection, engagement, environment, and accessibility). The responses raise important questions about the format of future conferences.
In the spring of 2020, in response to the escalating global COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the...
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