Assessment on the science communication effect of S&T contest – A case study of 31st China Adolescents Science &Technology and Innovation Contest(CASTIC)
Author: Lei Shi, China
Co-authors:
Lei SHI – National Academy of Innovation Strategy, China Association for Science and Technology
Science & technology and innovation contest is a popular form to conduct science communication because it can constantly attract media and audience’ attention, and mobilize more resources among institutes, universities, schools, science centers and museums in the long run. How to assess the science communication effect of the contest is an interesting question with value of theoretical exploration and practical implication. Based on the relevant theory and the purpose of the contest, the assessment of science communication effect is undertaken, It concludes 3 aspects including education, engagement and entertainment.
During the contest, a survey was conducted from August to September in 2016. Online questionnaires were distributed to the attendees of the 31st CASTIC(n=622), 326 was responded. The survey consists of questions concerning the effect of science communication on its function of education, engagement and entertainment. With the questionnaire survey and interviews, the paper aims to answer how the participants educated about science, how they engaged in the science project and how they entertain during the contest, finally generalizing the assessment of the science communication effect.
The findings are that on the metrics of education, over 70% participants reported their skills and interest of science are strengthened and their knowledge of science is enlarged. On the metrics of engagement, participants who took less than 3 months and 3-6 moth to prepare for the project are 42.9% and 25% respectively. 32.1% participants received trainings over 3 times. On the metrics of entertainment, practical experience activities are the most popular content during the contest.
The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.
Presentation type: Visual talk
Theme: Science
Area of interest: Applying science communication research to practice