The challenges and the opportunities of letting children have their say

Abstract

Many science communication activities identify children as their main target. There are several reasons for this, even if, quite often, they are not expressed explicitly, as if children were a somehow “natural” public for science. On the contrary, we can observe a high level of complexity in the children agenda to engage with science, and in the science institution agendas for targeting children. But this does not seem to be followed but the same level of complexity in devising science engagement activities for children. The profound transformation of the scope and understanding of science communication that we have observed in recent years, in which keywords as dialogue, participation and empowerment have become essential, has only partially touched the younger public, which remains in most cases considered as a spectator for science.

Science and scientists from a child's point of view: an overview from drawings

“…In a world that requests its citizens to be more informed, aware and able to make crucial decisions about their own health and safety, the knowledge and the awareness of research and innovation activities are crucial to handling doubts and to know how to choose with awareness. The focus on the younger generation is also aimed at encouraging young people to embark on scientific careers (Merzagora & Rodari 2013).…”

Communicating Science to the Publicon the Web: Criptozoo Youtube Channel

“…In modo analogo ai musei naturali, che devono essere in grado di attrarre «un'utenza ampia e variegata, con un continuo sforzo creativo volto a sviluppare nuove e diversificate forme di interazioni con i visitatori dell'esposizione» (Lionello, Belmonte, Pollice & Ruggiero, 2021, pp. 195-196;Merzagora & Rodari, 2007), anche i canali web scientifici si prodigano nell'attrarre utenti che non si limitano a essere fruitori passivi, ma sono in grado -attraverso interconnessioni sempre più articolate con il gestore del sito -di interagire attivamente in questi ambienti, sviluppando reti di conoscenza. L'obiettivo principale perseguito da una divulgazione scientifica efficace, come lo è quella di Rossi, consiste nel «prevedere momenti esperienziali in cui le persone divengono consapevoli di ciò che non sanno, una consapevolezza che può aprire la loro mente al sapere scientifico» (Bucciarelli, 2021, p. 346).…”

Shared spaces: a future for JCOM

“…As I begin my tenure as Editor in Chief of JCOM, I am looking for ways to make these links stronger: to enable the journal to meet the needs of its diverse constituencies -science communication is a tremendously diverse field of practice and researchand to consolidate its position as leading debates about science communication practice and research around the globe. The journal always has been open to and encouraged contributions from practitioners; but, although there are exceptions, such as Merzagora and Rodari's discussion of science communication aimed at children [2], the majority of papers and commentaries are contributed by academics. Over my tenure as editor, I would like to see a growth in articles from the practice community -both full papers and thought provoking commentaries.…”