the small science collective

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- CLICK on a zine cover below for downloadable PDF templates of the zine (standard 8.5" x 11" paper), and sample pages. Use and distribute freely and as you please!

- How do I fold these single sheet templates into mini-zines? How do I make them myself? Click HERE. (instructions courtesy of Ladyfriend zine)

- Would you like to contribute a science zine or pamphlet for possible addition to the site? Great! Submit the template as a PDF or a paper copy (to the address at the bottom of the page) and

- Also, please submit one for distribution in a in an upcoming art exhibition "Biological Agents" at Chicago's Gallery 400 - check out the CALL FOR ENTRIES.

- FINALLY, the Blog Sister Site for this project where you can get more information, leave comments and etc..

One-Page Mini Zines

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Science Tags - 1/4 page pamphlet zines that fit in the palm of your hand

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Current contributors include -

Kate Hall, Christa Donner, Jeff Oishi, Lale Westvind, Hannah Israelsohn, Ben Seamons, Monte Smith, Scott Mihalik, Nick Jones, Heather Abiera, Jackie Martin, Catherine Mudd, Colleen Tuite, Maia Chong, Jessica Grate, Ryan McMurran, Hannah Somerville, Anne Moertel,Dominique Holmes and Andy Yang

Some Resources

Jay Hosler - biologist and cartoonist
Union of Concerned Scientists - Science idol scientific integrity editorial cartoon contest
Narrative Ink - resource on comics and small press/self publishing
Piled Higher and Deeper - cartoon about the science grad student experience
Chick tracts - religious propaganda of the highest order, in small cartoon format. Very interesting.
 

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Who's knowledge is scientific knowledge?

Many say science is one of the most democratic forms of knowledge: experiments that anyone should be able to repeat, data that others are required to confirm, and results that are widely published.

At the same time, the gap between scientific and medical specialists on the one hand, and the general public on the other only continues to increase. As the privatization and patenting of scientific knowledge rapidly grows, overall scientific literacy continues to be very low, the topic of evolution being a prime example in the U.S. context.

Many people often feel disempowered, believing that scientific knowledge is obscure, boring and simply not for them. As a result, we might dismiss the relevance of science in our lives, assuming only doctors, researchers and policy experts need to know all the facts, and so will do all of the thinking for us. Although sometimes enjoying the strangeness and weirdness of scientific discoveries, many of us don't seem to believe we could play any part in communicating scientific knowledge.

The Small Science Collective is about everyone, especially non~scientists and non~specialists thinking about and sharing science through cheap and handy one page zines. Contributions come from scientists, many of my students at SAIC, and hopefully you too.

These zines and pamphlets are distributed in stops, benches, and coffee shops. Perhaps to catch the attention of strangers who in a vulnerable moment might be open to learning something another stranger wants to share? Whatever else, at least it is something to read while you wait for the bus!

== Contact ===

Liberal Arts, 112 S. Michigan Building, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago IL, 60603 USA ayang[at]saic.edu / 312.345.3793