Pristupačnost
Creating popular science lectures and workshops in the field of natural sciences
Kreiranje znanstveno-popularnih predavanja i radionica iz područja prirodoslovlja
| Course name | Creating popular science lectures and workshops in the field of natural sciences |
| Course code | [code] |
| Course coordinators | Assoc. Prof. Đani Škalamera, PhD; Prof. Tajana Begović, PhD |
| Holder institution | University of Zagreb Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry |
| Course status | University elective course |
| Study level | Bachelor, integrated, Master |
| ECTS credits | 5 |
| Semester | Winter |
| Language | Croatian |
| Prerequisites | The course is open to students who have earned a minimum of 15 ECTS credits in natural sciences and mathematics at their home institutions. |
| Quota | 10 |
| Period | Academic year 2026/2027; classes from 1 October 2026 to 15 January 2027. |
| Contact | dskalamera@chem.pmf.hr; tajana.chem@pmf.hr |
Students will be introduced to the process of creating popular science lectures and workshops that spark curiosity, develop critical thinking, and contribute to the advancement of scientific literacy. Emphasis is placed on combining creative content design, an interdisciplinary approach, and practical implementation, as well as developing communication, methodological, and professional competencies. Following introductory lectures, students will design and deliver a lecture or workshop through project-based work and under mentorship. Experienced physics, chemistry, and biology teachers participate in the course delivery, and towards the end of the semester, students will have the opportunity to take part in implementing science popularization activities.
After passing the course, the student will be able to:
- Define clear learning objectives for a popular science lecture or workshop, aligned with the topic, audience, and context.
- Select appropriate modern teaching tools (e.g., visualizations, experiments, interactive elements) that support the core principles of the thematic unit.
- Apply the principles of popular science communication: clarity, relevance, context, and adapting complexity to the target audience.
- Design and implement activities that foster critical thinking (e.g., multi-perspective questions, evidence-based discussions, analysis of thesis refutation and support).
- Effectively communicate scientific concepts in a simple, accurate, and ethical manner, with proper citation of sources.
- Develop evaluation methods (quizzes, reflective questions, open-ended tasks, feedback notes, analysis of experiment results) that measure understanding, curiosity, and critical thinking.
- Integrate elements of natural sciences, design, and communication.
- Work effectively in a team to create and evaluate lectures and workshops.
Lectures (6 hours, 3 weeks)
- Introduction to popular science lectures and workshops.
- Communication competencies and inclusivity.
- Practical implementation, logistics, safety, evaluation, and feedback.
Seminars (12 hours, 6 weeks)
- Defining the topic and drafting the lecture/workshop outline, selection of methods.
- Workshop preparation, activity planning, and testing.
- Creation of visual materials and/or workshop guidelines.
- Designing questions and activities to spark curiosity and critical thinking.
- Developing an evaluation (survey) and reflection plan.
Practicals (12 hours)
- Rehearsal and delivery of lectures/workshops in front of an audience.
- Lecture/workshop delivery.
- Collecting and analyzing feedback (surveys).
- Creating a journal and reflection paper.
Lectures, seminars, laboratory work, independent assignments, and mentorship.
The final grade is based on the evaluation of:
- M. Kovačević, T. Dagen, M. Rajter: Komunikacija u znanosti, sveučilišni udžbenik, Školska knjiga, 2025.
- N. Raos: Antologija hrvatske popularizacije prirodnih znanosti, In. Tri d.o.o., 2025.
- K. Zoller: Ritam uspješne prezentacije, priručnik za učinkovitu komunikaciju i prezentacijske vještine, Školska knjiga, 2025.
- M. Sikirica: Zbirka kemijskih pokusa za osnovnu i srednju školu, Školska knjiga, 2012.
- E. Vernić, B. Mikuličić: Vježbe iz fizike, priručnik za laboratorijski rad učenika srednjih škola, 2004.
- S. Petersen, M. A. Cotter: Challenging Interdisciplinary Science Experiments, Waxmann, Vol. 1 (2013.) and Vol. 2 (2015.).
A university elective course is not a constituent part of a study programme. It may be enrolled in and attended by students of all constituent units of the University of Zagreb as well as students on exchange.