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Year of Science 2009 is all about celebrating science and that celebration can take many forms. If you are looking for something new to add to your activities, try some of these:
Start your own Science Café -- Described as "a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology," these cafés provide a forum for engaging the public in science. Held in cafés, bars, or restaurants, informal presentations lead to high energy discussions. Learn more about starting your own café.
Science and the humanities -- Encourage collaboration with the arts and humanities community in your area to raise awareness of science. Organize a Science Night at the Improv, an art exhibit, or stage performance that focuses on artistic impressions of science.
- Work with teachers! Check in with your local district or connect with your state science teachers association. Help show students the wonder of science by inviting them to your research facility, getting their help with a research study, or giving presentations in the local school yard or classroom.
- Reach out to local media, newspapers, radio stations, and offer to write articles about scientific topics and how they affect your local community or establish yourself as a person to be contacted when a professional opinion is needed.
- Organize lecture series at the local libraries, or other appropriate venue, for local scientists to come and share their research and interest areas with the community.
Create a special event around science -- These can be tailored for any setting and any purpose. Three examples to consider:
- Darwin Day -- This annual international celebration will have added value in 2009 as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th Anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species.
- Wonderfest -- This festival of science is a great model that combines science art, science comedy, and science dialogues in order to attract a broad number of participants in an all-day event.
- No Child Left Indoors -- Reach out to local science organizations and schools to encourage programs that give children exposure to nature and encourage outside play.
Hold a Career Fair -- Take the opportunity to invite future scientists to your institution to learn about the diversity of careers available in science. Have them meet with young scientists and to hear about their pathways into science.
Consider a Citizen Science activity -- Need more eyes to observe and hands to record? Involving the public in your science might be a win: win solution. There are several models to investigate. Just Google citizen science or take a look at these examples:
Develop and share Research Profiles -- These web-based profiles highlight the science of individuals in an engaging manner for the general public. They can focus on how science is done and science as a human endeavor. Models to consider include those at:
- University of California Museum of Paleontology
- Stanford School of Engineering
- Paleo Profiles at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Tips to Consider
Don't do it alone! Find out what else is going on in your area and how you can combine resources to reach a broader audience and provide a richer experience.
Register your programs and events with COPUS so that others can learn from your experiences! And then explore the COPUS and Year of Science 2009 websites for other ideas.
Have a great idea you would like to share on this page?
Contact Sheri Potter;