Science communication is about more than publishing in academic journals and presenting at conferences.

With their unfettered curiosity, kids are natural scientists. Sharing research with young people can inspire the next generation to get involved with conservation science, but it can also inspire us, too!

This past April, Caitlin Lewis taught the First Wakefield Guide Unit about their Arctic field work. To make the science more accessible, Caitlin illustrated a short graphic novel, and read it aloud to a group of 10 and 11-year-olds during a STEAM career night. Caitlin also borrowed a Ringed Seal skin, Musk Ox hide, Eider down, and Arctic Fox fur from the National Wildlife Research Centre for show-and-tell. The visual format of the comic strip, and the tactile experience of the animal skins sparked a fascinating discussion with the kids. Caitlin left this experience with a renewed excitement for their project, and a deeper understanding of their research.

Here are some excerpts from their graphic novel.