11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
[G01-10] Experiencing Scientific Ocean Drilling Through Comics: The Chikyu Outreach Project
Keywords:IODP, Scientific Ocean Drilling, Science Communication, Comics, Sequential Art
Science outreach plays a crucial role in fostering public engagement and understanding of Earth sciences. As part of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 405, a series of comics was developed to communicate the scientific objectives, research methodologies, and experiences aboard the research vessel Chikyu to younger audiences. This project aimed to simplify complex geologic concepts while maintaining factual accuracy, using humor and engaging storytelling to make geoscience accessible and inspiring.
The development process involved gathering visual references and interviewing the crew and science party members while sailing aboard the Chikyu to capture the essence of people’s research, day-to-day work, and experiences unique to working on a scientific vessel. The collected information was then transformed into thumbnails with scripts that balanced scientific accuracy with narrative clarity suitable for middle-grade readers. Illustrations and text were refined through iterative revisions, ensuring that visual storytelling remained both scientifically accurate and engaging.
Further expanding its impact, the project involved collaboration with Japanese outreach officers aboard the Chikyu to assist with translations, adapting the comics for a bilingual audience. This process required careful attention to linguistic and cultural nuances to preserve the intended tone, humor, and accessibility. By presenting the comics in both English and Japanese, the initiative aimed to broaden its reach—not only engaging diverse English-speaking audiences but also informing the local community about geologic processes that impact their society. An unexpected benefit of the translations was that they also became accessible to the Chikyu's staff.
This project highlights the effectiveness of comics as a science communication tool and demonstrates how international collaboration in efforts can foster a deeper public understanding of geoscience.
The development process involved gathering visual references and interviewing the crew and science party members while sailing aboard the Chikyu to capture the essence of people’s research, day-to-day work, and experiences unique to working on a scientific vessel. The collected information was then transformed into thumbnails with scripts that balanced scientific accuracy with narrative clarity suitable for middle-grade readers. Illustrations and text were refined through iterative revisions, ensuring that visual storytelling remained both scientifically accurate and engaging.
Further expanding its impact, the project involved collaboration with Japanese outreach officers aboard the Chikyu to assist with translations, adapting the comics for a bilingual audience. This process required careful attention to linguistic and cultural nuances to preserve the intended tone, humor, and accessibility. By presenting the comics in both English and Japanese, the initiative aimed to broaden its reach—not only engaging diverse English-speaking audiences but also informing the local community about geologic processes that impact their society. An unexpected benefit of the translations was that they also became accessible to the Chikyu's staff.
This project highlights the effectiveness of comics as a science communication tool and demonstrates how international collaboration in efforts can foster a deeper public understanding of geoscience.