The challenges of writing science: Tools for teaching and assessing written science communication

There is a growing need for scientists, as well as STEM students as future scientists, to have the skills and ability to successfully communicate science to the public. This has been encouraged by research universities, policymakers, and scientists themselves. One primary method of communication in science is written communication. Whether it be in academia or everyday life, people primarily learn about science news in the written form: scientists read academic journals while the public reads the internet and social media. However, many researchers find writing to be difficult, compounded by the shift from writing for academic to lay audiences. This stresses the need for training and assessment options, including practical tools, to help direct science communication educators, universities, and even scientists themselves in communicating their science through writing. Therefore, the chapter will present a survey of practices recommended by existing training programs and practical tools to be used in assessment and research of science communication.