Communicating the Uncertain Nature of Science Through the Lens of Science Education

Uncertainty is a defining feature of the nature of science; besides driving curiosity in research, its acknowledgement and reporting are expected to ensure transparency and credibility. However, when science is communicated to a non-expert audience, uncertainty often gets oversimplified or omitted. This practice can lead to misconceptions about science (e.g., science leads to absolute knowledge) or erode confidence when uncertainties inevitably surface. In this session, we will explore how uncertainty is framed within the Nature of Science framework of science education, and which educational strategies might be of interest for science communication. Drawing on examples from communicating planetary science, we will discuss approaches that can make uncertainty relatable and constructive, helping audiences appreciate science as a dynamic, evidence-based process rather than a collection of fixed facts.