nova and science cafes: a flexible model for public engagement of science
DESCRIPTION
An invited talk by Rachel Connolly of WGBH; delivered by Kendra Redmond of AIP, at AAPT 2012. -- Science Cafés are conversations between scientists and the public that occur in casual settings. This flexible model for public engagement is growing in popularity and increasingly being adapted to reach a range of audiences—from teachers to teens. Since 2005, NOVA has been promoting and offering resources to Science Cafés nationally as part of the outreach strategy for NOVA scienceNOW. With the launch of our new online com- munity at www.sciencecafes.org, we now have over 200 registered cafe affiliates nationally, and four international affiliates. Come and learn about cafes and how to start or grow one in your community.TRANSCRIPT
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What can we learn from Science Cafes?
Kendra Redmond, AIP / Society of Physics Students Program CoordinatorRachel Connolly, NOVA Director of Education
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• A scientist walks into a bar… (Introduction to cafes)
• Beyond drinks… (Café happenings)
• A non-scientist leaves a bar… (Discussion of impact)
• Café resources… (Join or start a café)
• The NOVA/SPS Cosmic Café effort
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CComforta
ble Atmosphe
re
AAccessibl
e to EVERYON
E
FFood
& Drink
EEngaging Scientist
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• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Portrait of a science cafe
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• Break the Ice• NOVA scienceNOW video clip (5 minutes)
• Start a Conversation (20 minutes)• Scientist thoughts
• Questions and conversation (30 minute)
• Wrap Up (5 minutes)• Announce upcoming café• Encourage continued discussion
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Engage non-scientists
Provide a good science experience
Go where people are
Showcase science
Humanize science
Educate and inform
Common Goals of Cafés
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NOVA: Use the enthusiasm and structure of the Society of Physics Students to advance reach of Fabric of the Cosmos.
SPS: Use the structure and resources to introduce students to a new kind of informal outreach event.
NOVA-SPS Partnership
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Assessing Impact
NOVA Evaluators: Goodman Research Group, Inc.Specializes in evaluating
educational programs, materials, services
Data collection methods•Focus groups•Attendee follow-up surveys•Phone interviews with café organizers•Scientist surveys
Organizers Scientists Attendees
Humboldt State University, Science on Tap
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When asked directly about whether and how attendance was meaningful to them, organizers noted that it was a more important metric for accountability (e.g., to a CEO or an institution) than a determining factor in whether an attendee had a good experience at the Café. Though high attendance may be a meaningful metric for administrators, some organizers cited it as their primary challenge.
Assessing Impact: Organizers
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Some noted a fundamental difference between understanding and engagement and noted that Science Cafés play a role in helping to bridge this divide.
“Engagement of the public with science and history is actually dialogue where you make people equitable. It’s not that the scientific community looks at the public and says we need to fill their ignorant heads with science. It’s more that we need to engage scientists and the public so we can all learn.”
Assessing Impact: Organizers
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•The NOVA scienceNOW Science Cafés are an effective way to reach participants who traditionally do not attend science events.
•Over one-third of the attendees reported sharing what they learned at the Science Café with friends, family, or colleagues.
•The Science Café was either the first time most attendees had learned about the topic being presented, or it was the first time they had heard a scientist speak about the topic.
Assessing Impact: Attendees
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•Attendees appreciated the casual setting of the Café, with approximately one in five stated that this aspect was what they liked most about the event.
•A significant number of attendees retained information they had learned at cafés after three months.
Assessing Impact: Attendees
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The Science Café Community
230 registered cafes48 states, 5 countries
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The NOVA/SPS Cosmic Café Effort
• Sciencecafes.org’s first themed café series• Content focus includes quantum and cosmological topics• Centered on the 4 episodes:
– What is Space?– The Illusion of Time– Quantum Leap– Universe or Multiverse?
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Cosmic Cafes Resources
Sciencecafes.org toolkit:– Episode summary, talking tips– Contact information for potential
speakers– How-to guide– Episode clips
Coasters & promotional items“Find a café near you”
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Looking ahead
• “Café Conversations” monthly newsletter
• Additional themed café series
• Instructional videos
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Science Cafes: Get Connected!
Sciencecafes.org- Find a cafe near you- Resources for hosting cafes
Facebook.com/sciencecafes- Engage with the science cafe community
Twitter @CafeSciBoston- Encourage your students to attend or
host a cafe themselves