Photocomic Narratives as A Means to Communicate Scientific Information about Use, Treatment and Conservation of Water

Cecilia Lartigue, Aquiles Negrete, Eduardo Velasco, and Fernando González Villarreal

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico

Abstract: In this research we propose that photocomics represent an opportunity to communicate scientific information to students in a reliable and economic way. We used these narratives to communicate information about efficient water management activities and also to publicize PUMAGUA, the Program of the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM) in charge of water management at the University. Using the Retell, Identify, Remember and Contextualize information (RIRC) method (a method that uses memory tasks to assess learning) we tested the efficiency of this kind of illustrated narratives to communicate scientific information. We found statistical evidence that students acquired information regarding water use using this media and we also found statistical differences in performance between the participants of different schools at the main campus of UNAM.

Key words: narratives, photocomics, science communication, water conservation, water management