Effective and Engaging Science Communication - April 15, 2025

Includes a Live Web Event on 04/15/2025 at 3:00 PM (PDT)

Registration closes Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time

Workshop takes place Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 3 to 5pm Pacific / 6 to 8pm Eastern.

In this 2 hour, interactive workshop participants will gain an understanding of basic techniques and considerations when engaging with public audiences.

Engaging and interacting with public audiences in an informal learning setting such as a public outreach event is different from a formal classroom. In this workshop participants will reflect on their own experiences with informal learning and what qualities make them meaningful. Activities and discussions will cover topics such as how people layer new information on top of prior knowledge and experience, as well as strategies and techniques to have effective communication through two-way dialogue.

Resources and relevant links for further learning will also be shared. 

This workshop takes place in one 2-hour session.

Participants will gain the following through participation in the workshop:

  • An introduction to effective communication techniques for use with public audiences.
  • Strategies we have found to be successful at engaging learners of all ages.
  • Access to astronomy communication experts who will facilitate the workshop.
  • A certificate of completion for participating in 2 clock hours of professional development.

Registration: $40

Attendance/Refund Policy

Live attendance is strongly encouraged and expected in order to get the most out of the interactive session. Full refund is available for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you need to cancel please email learn@astrosociety.org.


Tony Smith

Astronomy Educator - Online Learning

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Tony Smith is an Astronomy Educator for Online Learning at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Tony has worked in informal science education since 2011 at OMSI in Portland, OR, Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA, and prior to joining the ASP managed the J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI. In addition to the ASP, Tony also works part time at the Washington State University Planetarium and volunteers at the Palouse Discovery Science Center in Pullman, WA where he lives. Tony is passionate about science education and uses an interactive presentation style, asking for observations and input from the audience throughout his presentations. 

Brian Kruse

Director, Teacher Learning Center and Formal Education Programs

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Brian Kruse manages the ASP's Project ASTRO National Network and Bay Area Project ASTRO, programs which have partnered astronomers with classroom teachers. A veteran classroom teacher, Brian has taught middle school earth science and physical science, and high school physics, earth science, physical science, and integrated science. He has also served as a NASA Explorer Schools Coordinator, where he worked with teams of teachers to foster NASA-inspired whole-school impacts. When not working, Brian is frequently found hiking and birding with camera in hand.

Components visible upon registration.