Empowering Science Communication through Storytelling, One Quilt at a Time: An Interview with Prof. Laura Guertin, Penn State Brandywine University

My Sediments Exactly

Summary

Professor Laura Guertin, a marine geologist and earth science educator, combines her passion for science with quilting to create science storytelling quilts. These quilts serve as a unique and engaging way to communicate scientific data and concepts to non-STEM audiences. By incorporating data sets into the quilts, Laura is able to captivate and educate people who may be intimidated by traditional scientific presentations. Her quilts have been well-received by various audiences, including students, senior citizens, and community groups. Laura also encourages her students to become science storytellers by using storytelling techniques to share their knowledge with others. Through her quilts and teaching methods, Laura aims to make science more accessible and relevant to everyday life.
You can follow more of Dr. Guertin's work here.
Her work with Penn State University can be accessed here.

Keywords

science education, quilting, science communication, data visualization, storytelling, engagement

Takeaways

• Innovative powerful tools for science communication, making scientific data and concepts more accessible and engaging for non-STEM audiences.
• Incorporating data sets into quilts allows people to visualize and understand scientific information through colors and patterns, rather than intimidating graphs and numbers.
• Quilts can serve as a bridge between science and society, sparking conversations and raising awareness about important scientific topics.
• Engaging students in science education involves showing them the relevance of scientific concepts to their daily lives and encouraging them to become science storytellers.
• Effective science communication requires knowing your audience and using appropriate methods, such as storytelling, to connect with them and make complex information more understandable.

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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Quilting as a Tool for Science Communication (00:03:40)

3. Challenges and Reception of Quilting in Science (00:08:01)

4. Overcoming Negative Perceptions and Embracing Creativity (00:12:13)

5. Inspiring Students and Engaging Non-Scientists (00:15:47)

6. Traditional Tools vs. Creative Approaches in Science Education (00:19:05)

7. Advice for Future Scientists and Educators (00:24:55)

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:27:38)