Speakers
Description
What this session is about
Step into the studio lights for a fast-paced participatory game-show where science communication meets satire! Two teams of communicators compete for the SBASCA – Super Best Amazing Science Communicators Award, testing their wit, skepticism, and science savvy. Each round throws them bizarre headlines, viral “discoveries,” and outrageous claims: real or fake?
The audience isn’t just watching, they shape the game. Participants vote live on every claim, sometimes competing directly with the teams, sometimes joining briefly as “guest experts.” Through these playful twists, everyone in the room becomes part of the contest.
This is a workshop in critical science communication. Humor and competition create a safe space to explore how easily misinformation can trick us, how laughter lowers barriers, and how play sharpens attention and memory. After the final round, a short facilitated reflection connects the experience to real-world challenges of communication in an age of disinformation and polarization. Participants leave with fresh ideas for interactive formats, insights into fact-checking strategies, and inspiration for using humor responsibly in their own work.
Why this session is important
In a world where misinformation travels faster than facts, science communicators must make reliability both visible and memorable. Fake news erodes trust but also reminds us that communication must be sharp, creative, and emotionally engaging to compete with noise. The deeper challenge is polarization: even when facts are clear, debates fracture along cultural or political lines.
This workshop immerses participants in both dynamics. By spotting fakes, competing with peers, and unpacking why some claims divide audiences, they experience these challenges firsthand, transforming abstract issues into shared, practical learning.
How it works
- Two teams of science communicators face off in a parody TV game-show format.
- Each round presents strange headlines, viral memes, and quirky “scientific” claims.
- Teams must decide whether they’re real discoveries or fake news dressed up as science.
- The audience participates throughout: Voting live on every round; competing against the teams in surprise “audience-only” rounds; & volunteering as short-term “guest experts”
- The winning team takes home the gloriously over-the-top SBASCA: Super Best Amazing Science Communicators Award trophy.
- The game ends with a facilitated reflection linking the fun back to strategies, trust, misinformation, and polarisation in science communication.
By mixing competition, comedy, critical thinking, hands-on audience involvement, and reflection, the session creates an unforgettable experience that entertains while equipping participants with practical insights to strengthen their communication practice in times of misinformation and polarisation.
Workshops only: Equipment
Projector or screen for slides. Room with two to 4 tables and 6 chais in front (6 people need to sit facing the audience for gameshow mode). 7-8 microphones if possible, minimum 3 microphones.
| Workshops only: Duration | 1h |
|---|---|
| Workshops only: participants | There's no limit. |
