Assessment Task 3 - StoryMap

Science Communication

Science communication involves sharing technical knowledge with the public through documentaries, social media, podcasts, and maps. Despite the abundance of scientific journal articles, many are behind paywalls and not easily understood by the general public. Effective science communicators present technical research in engaging formats, often telling a compelling story.

Assessment Task

You will create an Esri StoryMap to communicate a chosen topic or issue to the general public. StoryMaps integrate maps, images, text, video, and audio into a cohesive story shared via a single web link. Your topic should include a spatial component, avoiding trivial subjects like "My rock climbing adventure to Thailand, 2024."

We'll discuss topics early in week five, and I will provide ideas/options. If you're stuck or short on time, a step-by-step option based on the marine heatwave practical from module three is available, but the assessment grade will be capped at a low credit (-C).

Essential Details for Your Assessment

Your StoryMap must include the following:

1. Locality Map: Include at least one map showing the location of your chosen topic. Options include a basic map from StoryMaps, a study area map made in ArcGIS Pro, or an interactive map using the map tour tool in StoryMaps. Not all map elements are necessary for this map.

2. Evidence of Spatial Analysis: Demonstrate spatial analysis techniques. Simple techniques like "Clip" and "Project" meet satisfactory requirements, but for top marks, showcase more advanced methods.

3. Data Map: Provide at least one map displaying the more complex aspects of your topic, created using ArcGIS Pro. This map should contain all map elements (as in assessment II) and be added as a .PNG file to your StoryMap. Label this map as "Data Map" in the figure caption for assessment identification.

4. Logical and Engaging Narrative: Ensure your narrative is coherent and engaging. The text limits are in place to ensure that you are succinct with your writing style.

5. Engaging StoryMap Layout: Utilise interactive features, maps, images, text, video, and/or audio to create a cohesive and engaging story.

6. StoryMap Word Limit: 500 - 800 words (excluding references).

7. Provide a brief list of the spatial analysis steps that you used to create your data map. Place these as dot points in the assessment submission text (not in the StoryMap).

Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment focuses on creating an Esri StoryMap to communicate a scientific topic or issue effectively to the general public. The StoryMap should combine maps, images, videos, text, and audio in a cohesive format. The essential requirements include:

1. A locality map showing the spatial context of the topic.

2. Evidence of spatial analysis using GIS tools.

3. A data map created in ArcGIS Pro with complete map elements.

4. A logical and engaging narrative within the word limit of 500–800 words.

5. An interactive layout using multimedia to tell the story.

6. A brief list of spatial analysis steps included in the assessment submission.

Provided by the Academic Mentor

The academic mentor guided the student systematically to ensure the assessment was completed effectively.

Step 1: Understanding Science Communication
The mentor began by explaining the importance of science communication and how StoryMaps can translate technical knowledge into engaging formats for public understanding.

Step 2: Topic Selection
The student was encouraged to choose a relevant topic with a clear spatial component. The mentor advised avoiding overly personal or trivial subjects and instead focusing on issues like environmental changes, urban growth, or marine heatwaves.

Step 3: Creating the Locality Map
The mentor demonstrated how to prepare a locality map using either the basic StoryMaps tool or ArcGIS Pro. This helped the student show the geographical location of the chosen study area.

Step 4: Applying Spatial Analysis
The mentor explained spatial analysis techniques, starting with basic tools such as Clip and Project, and then moving to more advanced methods for higher grades. The student practiced applying these methods to prepare datasets relevant to the topic.

Step 5: Preparing the Data Map
With guidance, the student created a data map in ArcGIS Pro. The mentor highlighted the need to include map elements like scale, north arrow, legend, and title. The final output was exported as a PNG file for insertion in the StoryMap.

Step 6: Building the Narrative
The mentor advised the student on writing a concise yet engaging narrative. The text was structured to tell a story, combining research evidence with visuals, while staying within the word limit.

Step 7: Designing the StoryMap Layout
The mentor emphasized the importance of design by incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, interactive maps, and images to enhance engagement. The student learned how to create a smooth flow between different sections of the StoryMap.

Step 8: Documenting Spatial Analysis Steps
The mentor guided the student to prepare a clear, point-wise list of spatial analysis steps for submission, ensuring assessment requirements were fully met.

Outcome and Learning Objectives

By following these steps, the student successfully completed a comprehensive StoryMap. The outcome demonstrated the ability to communicate scientific research effectively, use spatial analysis techniques, and create professional maps. The learning objectives achieved included mastering ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis, understanding science communication methods, and integrating multimedia into an interactive narrative.

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