WHAT: Earth Science in the Spotlight: Engaging the Public

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5:30-8:00 PM; program begins at 6:15 PM.

WHERE: The Front Page Restaurant, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, Located near Ballston Metro on the ground floor of the NSF building. Parking is available under the NSF building or at Ballston Common Mall.

WHO: Ann E. Benbow, Ph.D., Director of Education, Outreach and Development, American Geological Institute

HOW: Special 1/2 price burgers start at 5:30 PM. Please come early to order table service and socialize. Short presentation begins at 6:15 PM, followed by Q&A. No science background required- only an interest! Cafe Scientifique is free and open to the public. Register online here.

ABOUT THE TOPIC: The news media routinely sound alarms about natural disasters, climate change, and the energy crisis. But who helps the public make sense of these issues? More and more, scientists are stepping up to help ordinary people, from school children to policy makers, understand the earth science behind the headlines. Earth science, after all, encompasses virtually all the sciences, from biology to chemistry to physics. Learn how AGI, an association of 45 member societies across the geosciences, is tapping the expertise of professional geologists, oceanographers, meteorologists, and other scientists to improve education and promote public awareness on such timely topics. Join us for a brief discussion, exciting video and hands-on activities showing how you can play a vital part.

COMING NEXT MONTH: November 3, Mario J. Molina, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1995 will speak on ozone depletion in the atmosphere.

Labels: meetings, science and society, teaching