Scientific Storytelling: From up in the clouds to down to earth… A new approach to mentoring

Abstract

The challenge today with an increasing volume and complexity of information is the actual connections we make with the information, its value and how it impacts us. This paper interweaves three topics as they relate to communicating scientific knowledge and the use of the arts to heighten our ability to connect to the information, so as to transition from up in the clouds to down to earth, i.e. from the intangible to the tangible. Educators, teachers and an evolving breed of mentors play an important role in the transition from a hierarchical arena to one of reciprocal interactions, mutual learning and respect, openness to novel ideas and encouragement to think outside the box. The topics to be explored are the following: the outlining of a story - from up in the clouds to down to the earth, the art of Scientific Storytelling and the uncovering of the `scoop' in the story: translating knowledge into action. This paper embraces nonconventional forms of learning and imparting acquired skills and knowledge using the Scientific Storytelling method for innovative learning modules. The method presented in this paper provokes new insights and conversations, while exploring the cross pollination of the sciences that enables others to connect to one's stories.