Helping People Understand Science

Figure 1, PEW Research Center

         Science can be a very broad topic under a huge umbrella but, is very important to understand when applying it to today’s society. Often the significance of science is underrated and overlooked. We should ask ourselves why this is a popular phenomenon, is there a lack of education? Is science too difficult to understand? Does society not care enough? Or is it a combination of all these things. When we look at the data from the Pew Research Center in Figure 1, specifically on climate change, there is a huge gap in the U.S. adults and AAAS scientists who think climate change is mostly due to human activity. This data is alarming considering there is so much accessible evidence on this topic. Scientist are considered more knowledgeable on the subject, however, their views seem to hold no important significance. Why is this when there are resources out there that reach to the public and explain our global issues efficiently. 

Figure 2,  https://youtu.be/b6CPsGanO_U 

        It’s no secret that there are plenty of ways for science to be explained to the public. Figure 2 is a great example; Asap Science is a YouTube channel dedicated to taking science topics and easily explaining them in a fun and interesting way. Bill Nye is also featured in this video, who is an icon recognized by many as the man who shared his love of science with all of us when we were young.

Figure 3, https://www.ted.com/

        The internet is an amazing thing, it allows us to share our own opinions and opens us up to so much information. TED is a great way to spread the ideas of so many in a powerful way. They don’t only cover science topics but this is still a great way to start discussions on major issues and spread understanding. Figure 3, features some of their top current stories and gives a look into what they offer.

        Of course, there are many ways to spread knowledge, my partner and I created our own game to encourage others to learn about the recent discovery of Archie. The name of the game is Myth or fact, and the objective is to be able to discern the truth about Archie. It is a simple card game that encourages competition between the players and during the game they are unintentionally learning more about Archie. I personally think the game is nice, simple, and practical. The game works well because it is new information to most and can be played with a varying amount of people. The downside is some of the statements on the cards are too advance for the players and requires previous knowledge of Archie but that adds to the learning experience of the game. There are clear instructions and rules to the game included in the deck and, all is neatly typed.  All and all I think the game is very effective. 

Picture provided by Mrs.Toran, taken at the Archie carnival as Dr, Heckert, (the lead in the discovery of Archie) tries the game out for himself