Discovery Center of Idaho

Next Science Café is September

Topic: To Be Determined. Make suggestions below

Discovery Center Sponsors "Science Café":

The Discovery Center of Idaho has joined a movement, inspired in England, that is dedicated to the informal dissemination and discussion of scientific information. This movement is called "Science Cafe,". The forum is an open discussion to be attended by all interested persons. Topics are set before hand, the discussion is moderated and the open sharing of ideas begins. More detail follows, but if you would still like more information please use the form below or contact our Education Director, Woody Sobey, at (208)343-9895 x245.

What To Expect At a Science Café:

A Science Café's casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with any level of science background.

Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation and sometimes shows a short video clip to kick off the discussion. You can leave a café meeting when you want, but you'll miss out if you show up late.

There are many variations on the basic science café. One café might have a trivia quiz. Another might include a panel of scientists. Topics range across all sciences, and some cafés even explore connections between science and other disciplines, like the arts.

Previous topics include:

Lab on a Chip: Are we there yet?: Many examples of analysis techniques require that you take a sample (such as soil, water or blood), ship it to the laboratory and wait for your result. Yet on Star Trek, they can just scan with the tricorder and get a result. How close are we to being able to develop a tricorder?
Novel H1N1 Influenza: The flu is all around us. Dr. Tengelsen, Deputy State Epidemiologist with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare shared information on seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses and how influenza has impacted Idaho.
Ethanol as a Bio-Fuel: We discussed the economics and the controversial issues associated with 1st generation (corn based) ethanol. Some of these factors not only lead to the recent halt of expanded ethanol production in Idaho but caused several plant closures in the state and northwest region. We also covered how mandates set by Renewable Fuel Standards have placed a growing emphasis on developing 2nd generation (cellulose based) ethanol.
Why Are Idaho's Amphibians at Risk?: Did you know there are 6 frog, 3 toad, and 4 salamander species in Idaho? Have you ever seen one? Have you ever wondered if Idaho's amphibians are facing some of the same threats causing amphibian declines worldwide? We discussed the major causes of amphibian declines globally and locally, and examined risks to Idaho's amphibians including disease, invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change.