New course on curricula of natural sciences – popularization of scientific knowledge as a tool to link science and public – good practice in higher education

Abstract

The popularization of science is one of the most important skills that should be formed in higher education in natural sciences. In Poland only humanistic studies in the field of journalism provide preparation in transforming knowledge and presenting it to laic audience. Curricula of biological or environmental protection studies offer no course related to science popularization. This gap is partly covered by educational offer of pedagogical universities; however, they prepare future teachers to work in formal education with recipients within a certain age range. But there is still a gap in educational offer of higher education in natural sciences. Graduates often have biological knowledge but do not have the key skills needed in the labor market – concerning self-presentation, mediation and attractive presentation of scientific knowledge. Here is an example of two courses carried out as the part of the scientific project “Animation of scientific and science culture”. The project was performed in academic year 2014–2015 at the Pedagogical University of Cracow. The course was dedicated to popularization of scientific knowledge. The article discusses the substantive scope of the course and methods used to work with students.