Principles and Practice of Science Communication
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this course on writing and presenting science for general audiences. Students analyze case studies tracing popular science communication over the past two centuries, examining how authors, audiences, and media shape a story. Early in the term students choose project topics and work directly with MIT Museum staff to produce physical exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, or scripts for public programs. Readings and discussions cover theoretical principles behind effective communication, from choosing an angle to anticipating what a lay audience already knows. The course pairs critical analysis of existing science writing and media with a hands-on production requirement, so students leave with both a framework for judging science communication and a finished public-facing project. Materials include the syllabus, assignments, and project guidelines, free to access through MIT's OpenCourseWare site with no certificate offered.