From April 15 to 17, 2024, the workshop on communicating the physics of the smallest particles took place at the DPG Physikzentrum in Bad Honnef. Speaker Evelyn Stahl taught the 14 participants a wide range of content and methods for communicating science. How do you prepare complex scientific topics for young people? Which materials and methods are particularly suitable for understandably conveying the topics? How do my posture and voice affect my audience during a presentation? All these questions were answered during the two-and-a-half-day program through theoretical input and practical exercises.
One of the exercises consisted of preparing a 7-minute presentation and presenting it to the group. All presentations were recorded on camera and played back in the joint feedback session. Seeing yourself in a presentation situation is an exciting and interesting experience, as it is the first time you can see how you come across to the audience. The participants mastered this exercise together and it led to exciting discussions about presentation styles and methodology.
After learning-intensive workshops during the day, the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef offered participants plenty of space to relax and socialize in a castle atmosphere in the evening. Board games and many rounds of Werewolf were played in the noble-looking common rooms.
A special highlight of the workshop was the contribution of the Physikshow Bonn on the last evening. Four members of the Physikshow, Laura, Tien, Gian, and Bruno, put on an exclusive show that shed light on science communication from a new perspective. Particle accelerators were explained in a playful way, music was played with the help of a laser guitar, planets were sold and plasma cannons were fired. Many thanks at this point to the Physikshow Bonn!
