Communicating with Younger Audiences

What is neuroscience? Does the word “DNA” need to be defined? Is particle physics just too hard to explain? These are the kinds of questions that come up when writing about science for kids.

At this Northwest Science Writers Association meeting, panelists Emily Krieger, Beth Geiger and the CSNE's Eric Chudler will talk about their experiences creating books, articles, and educational materials for children on topics ranging from memory to comet impacts. They’ll discuss the rewards and challenges of translating complex technical concepts into stories that the under-age set can understand — and enjoy.

•Eric Chudler is a Research Associate Professor in the UW Departments of Bioengineering and Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine and Executive Director of the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering. He manages and maintains the award-winning website,Neuroscience for Kids. He is also the author of the Little Book of Neuroscience Haiku, published in May 2013.

•Emily Krieger is a Seattle-based freelance editor, writer, and fact-checker. She’s helped edit Science News for Students (formerly Science News for Kids) since 2011, working on both features and news stories and writing companion questions for teachers. She’s also the author of the National Geographic children’s book series Myths Busted!, in which she upends scientific, historical, and pop culture myths. She occasionally fact-checks feature articles for National Geographic magazine, typically science pieces, and fact-checked David Quammen’s award-winning book about zoonoses, Spillover.

•Beth Geiger was the recipient of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalist Award for excellence in Science Reporting for Children. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

The Northwest Science Writers Association meets at University House in Wallingford. The event is free for members; $5 for non-members.

Event Date: 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 19:45

Event Location: 

University House, 4400 Stoneway N., Seattle, WA 98103

Event Tags: