P-496 - Sh@re it: "Plants Get Sick Too!" – A Plant Pathology Social Media Outreach Activity

In today’s ever-changing digital age, communicating scientific concepts to the public is increasingly important. The "Sh@re it: 'Plants Get Sick Too!'" outreach activity empowers students in general plant pathology courses to explore plant diseases and share their findings with the broader community through social media platforms. This assignment encourages students to select a plant-associated microbe and present key concepts in plant pathology, such as the biology, impact, and management of plant diseases, in a format accessible to a broader audience. Using social media tools like reels, memes, and infographics, students create content that demonstrates their understanding of plant pathology, while honing their skills in science communication and promoting the importance of plant health. The creative freedom in this assignment provides students with a means of making the science covered in the classroom more exciting and relevant to their everyday lives. The assignment also provides an alternative format of assessment, beyond exam and papers, for instructors. Selected materials are shared on the University of Minnesota’s Plant Pathology social media channels, offering students the unique opportunity to engage with a wider audience, contribute to the public's understanding of plant health, and  publicize the course. The project's success demonstrates the potential of using creative, digital tools to promote the importance of plant pathology and its role in global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability.