Communicating Science to the Public: Undergraduate Science Students' Perceptions About an Emergent Technology

• In Event: Exploring What Motivates Undergraduates in Learning Science

Abstract

With the advent of many emerging technologies, scientists and engineers have growing responsibilities to effectively communicate to the general public. Yet, few institutions of higher education provide developing scientists and engineers with formal education in science communication. This study examined science and engineering students’ (from five countries) perceptions of science communication, in the context of nanotechnology. The impact that undergraduate students’ ethical perceptions of nanotechnology-related risks might have on their views is also discussed. Results showed international differences in perceptions of facets of risk. Cultural differences in ethical perceptions influenced participants’ views of the role of science communication education. Implications are discussed in the context of globalized education reform for science communication.

Authors

• Grant Gardner, Middle Tennessee State University

• M. Gail Jones, North Carolina State University

• Manuela Paechter, University of Graz