Catalyzing Public Engagement With Climate Change Through Informal Science Learning Centers. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geiger, Nathaniel; Swim, Janet K.; Fraser, John; Flinner, Kate
• Other Names: van der Sanden Maarten guest-editor.; Evans William guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 39:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: climate change -- science education -- public engagement with science -- civic engagement -- hope.; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547017697980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

Using the head, heart, and hands model, we examined a training program designed to catalyze national public engagement with climate change through informal science learning centers (e.g., aquariums, zoos). Survey data were collected from visitors ( N = 7, 285) observing 1, 101 presentations at 117 U.S. institutions before and after presenters participated in communication training. Visitors who attended posttraining (vs. pretraining) presentations reported greater understanding of climate change (head), hope (heart), and intentions to engage in community action (hands). As hypothesized, results suggested these changes were due to an increase in presenters' discussion of climate change and use of effective communication techniques.