Science Communication Through STEAM: Professional Development and Flipped Classrooms in the Digital Age

Abstract

STEAM is the term given to a growing field of research and practice that integrates arts into traditional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects. It is also the name of a science communication summer school that has evolved from a conventional in-person professional development opportunity to a blended informal science learning space with a flipped classroom approach. This article charts that development and includes perspectives from several science communicators who participated in in-person and online versions of the STEAM schools. The future of professional development in science communication is considered in light of the changes caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.