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Science and Me Series
Science and Me is a series of presentations aimed to promote public understanding and appreciation of science. It is hoped that through increased exposure to science, participants will get a feel for "what science is doing for them," and this, in turn, will contribute to trust and belief in science and support of science.
The presentations are generated in a graduate workshop called "Public Understanding of Science", in which the students address different science related issues, provide basic information needed for understanding the subject, and place a strong emphasis on the role science played in the issue. The underlying theme is to demonstrate how science moves from the lab to the pharmacy, to medical treatments, to the food industry, to the farm industry, to environmental policies and managements and so on (See course announcement).
Public engagement- The Science and Me program targets adult audiences in the community, in independent living facilities, The Public Library, The Mizzou Alumni Association and more.
Science and Me topics - Fall 2008
Delivered in 31 venues around Columbia
It's getting hot in here: What's the big deal about climate change?
Katie Becklin, Biological Sciences
There's a lot of talk about global climate change, but what does that term really mean? Come learn the science behind climate change and how this phenomenon might affect you, your health, and your interests.
The aging brain: What to Remember about Memory Loss
Catharine Clark, Biomedical Sciences
Do you ever feel like you just can't remember things the way you used to, or you occasionally have to "jog your memory" to come up with names and places? Don't worry you are not alone. This presentation will explore the intricacies of the brain, how memory loss occurs and more importantly how to have more control over the aging brain.
Land-use effects on biodiversity: How can my golf game help frogs and salamander?
Jennifer Hamel, Biological Sciences
What is biodiversity? Come learn how roads affect wildlife and how golf courses affect amphibians. The answers may not be what you think! Come see how scientists answer these questions!
Critters in my backyard: Why do they keep eating my flowers?
Lianne Hibbert, Fisheries and Wildlife
Everybody likes having a nice looking yard, but what do we do about animals wreaking havoc on our plants? What causes this problem? What can we do to deal with all those critters?
The ever changing flu virus and elephants with short tusks - what do they have in common? "Why is it so hard to guess the correct flu vaccine?"
Katy Klymus, Biological Sciences
How can changes in an environment lead to changes in an organism's traits? We will look at examples from creatures as diverse as viruses and elephants to explore this idea of natural selection. We will learn how natural selection affects us with respect to vaccine- resistant diseases.
Genetically modified food: What's on your dinner plate?
Amy Replogle, Biological Sciences
Within the past two decades scientists have learned how to move new traits into plants to make longer lasting vegetables and pest resistance plants. So how do you know if you are eating genetically modified food? Well the truth is you can't, so this talk will address what are genetically modified foods and what you should know about them.
The eye, the light and the lens: Why is it getting harder to see as I get older?
Andrew West, Science Education
"Is it getting harder and harder to see? Are eye appointments and the explanations that the doctor gives sometimes unclear? We will explore how the eye works, why it is sometimes difficult to see, and what the eye doctor does to help us see better."
Infectious diseases: Can I catch my dog's cold or the bird's Flu?
Jordan Shroyer, Science Education
Should we really be worried about catching the "Bird Flu"? Are we really capable of catching another animal¿s illness? Spreading of disease and possible outbreaks will be discussed.
Science and Me in the Press
The Missourian - Catharine Clark at Daniel Boone Public Library
MU Graduate School Magazine
Science and Me on Pepper & Friends - KOMU TV (2009)
Amy Replogle_Genetically Modified Foods.wmv
Andrew West_Eye Degeneration.wmv
Catharine Clark_The Aging Brain.wmv
Jen Hamel_Amphibians and Golf Courses.wmv
Katy Becklin_Climate Change.wmv
Lianne Hibbert_Backyard Critters.wmv
Video files courtesy of KOMU TV8 - Pepper and Friends Show
OSO Professional Development workshop
Contacts
Dr. Hannah Alexander
Division of Biological Sciences
303 Tucker Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
573.884.4000
Office of Science Outreach
Dr. Anna Waldron
Email: WaldronA@missouri.edu
Lianne Hibbert
Email: HibbertL@missouri.edu