As a PhD student studying marine biology, and also a volunteer passionate about science outreach, I believe that good science communication is not merely about translating complex research into plain language — it is more about inspiring the people's interest in marine science, building trust, and encouraging them to engage. I would like to share my volunteer experiences in ocean science engagement across three distinct settings: rural classrooms in inland China, urban communities in coastal Xiamen, and cross-region outreach activities.
To bridge these contexts, I will focus on our outreach strategies for "Open Lab Day" activities and share a progressive curriculum designed to translate advanced marine science into an interactive public learning experience. This curriculum guides participants through a multi-sensory learning loop: it starts with introductory videos and inquiry-based games to spark curiosity, moves on to hands-on laboratory experiences such as seawater filtration and microscopic observations to explain scientific concepts like secondary endosymbiosis and algal adaptation, and ends with a creative DIY algae fridge magnet activity to reinforce learning.
My varied experiences, from the inland classroom to the laboratory bench, highlight the importance of structured, interactive engagement. In this presentation, I will reflect on the practical strategies of curriculum design, discuss what succeeded and what failed when adapting scientific content for different age groups and cultural backgrounds, and explore how we can better prepare the next generation of science communicators to navigate complexity with empathy and clarity.
Acknowledgements
The first author Wei Liu would like to thank Professor Dazhi Wang and his research group, the Environmental Microbiomics Group, for providing the platform and support for this presentation. Additional gratitude is extended to Dr. Yuming Rao for his suggestions on the science content of the curriculum for the "Open Lab Day" activities.