PETS, PHEROMONES AND PHANTOMS
Discover science in the ordinary
and extraordinary when SciFest ’08 comes to the Saint Louis Science
Center October 9-13.
"Science is in everything," says SciFest
co-director Naomi Joshi. "And this
festival will be unlike anything most people have experienced before."
In other words, it won't be dull and
boring. Rather SciFest will offer public
conversation, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and exhibits sure to peek the interest of any science-phobe. Take for example the "Science of NASCAR" or the "Science of Baseball." Not a sports fan? There are plenty of programs for all interests including the "Science of Beer," the "Science of Chocolate," "The Rules of Attraction," "Seven Rules for Dating," "Busting Beauty Myths," and "What Makes You Happy." There will also be a fashion show unlike any you've ever seen showcasing the latest in wearable recycled materials and nanotechnology. And who could pass up "The Physics of Rock Guitar" featuring a rock guitar playing physicist explaining the physics of rock music and what it reveals about the universe?
"What we're trying to do is change
people's perceptions about science and
scientists," Joshi explains. "Research shows that most people think they couldn't talk with a scientist as they are too clever, specialized, or even boring. The festival will be very informal so people will get to meet scientists face to face and get into discussions. And we're making sure the scientists presenting at the festival not only educate the public, but are witty, fun and interesting as well."
Of course, SciFest will also tackle some more difficult topics as well. On Sunday there will be discussions on the science and environmental platforms of the state and presidential candidates, as well as issues that are likely to be hot topics in the political arena, including climate change,
bio-fuels, renewable energy sources and stem cell research.
"It will be three weeks before the election so we're hoping to provide people with another chance to talk with political leaders," says Carol Valenta, senior vice president for the Saint Louis Science Center. "So
far Jay Nixon has agreed
to attend and weÕre working on others."
Valenta adds that this type of venue may be a little scary for them since most are not scientists having never majored in biology, chemistry or physics. "So in many ways they are like the people in the audience," she says. "It will be a very interesting opportunity to have a conversation about what's important. Whether they know the scientific answer or not may not be as important as recognizing what is important for all of us."
The idea behind SciFest came about
after Doug King, president and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center, attended the Cheltenham Science Festival in Cheltenham, England. Like the United States, the UK was seeing interest in science declining to crisis levels. To help regenerate interest, the government initiated the creation of the Cheltenham Science Festival.
Cheltenham, England is known worldwide as a festival city hosting four annual festivals including jazz, classical music, literature and, since 2002, science. Last year alone, the
festival drew 26,000 people over a five-day period to the small town of 100,000. Because of its success, the Cheltenham organizers wanted to bring the science
festival to the United States. St. Louis was selected over New York, Boston and San Francisco because of the strength of the region's scientific institutions as well as its plan to promote the event.
King says what attracted them to the
science festival was the fact that it "strives to make science fun for people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds."
"We hope the festival will encourage more people to participate in scientific dialogue and inspire more U.S. students to pursue
science-related careers," he adds.
Ticket prices for SciFest are yet to be
confirmed; however organizers say the majority will cost about $6 per session. They are also planning a huge party—a celebration of science—on Friday evening which may put a bigger dent in your wallet. But the evening is one organizers say people will remember.
"It will be like the science festival and then some," Joshi explains. "There will be food, drink, music and programs. And of course, anyone may attend."
Perhaps a major draw of the party will be the program "Casino Games: Tallies, Tricks and Techniques" A portion of the Science Center will be transformed into a casino complete with poker tables and roulette wheels. While participants play blackjack and Texas Hold'em, scientists and mathematicians will demonstrate the rules of probability and provide a helping hand.
St. Louis will have the festival for the next three years. Organizers hope to draw at least 15,000 visitors the first year. They also hope that once the public experiences SciFest, word of mouth will help increase that number each year afterward. Then, perhaps, SciFest will not only become a permanent fixture, but a model to other cities.
"Many places do something like this then it's over and everyone says, "well, wasnÕt
that nice.Õ But weÕve made this three-year commitment and our lead sponsor, Monsanto, supports that," says Valenta. "Our hope is that by the time we get to
2010, this community won't ever want this
to go away."
SCIFEST 08
Program Hi-Lites
Cancer–Myths and Realities of Causes and Cures
From carrots to caffeine, the media headlines bombard us with apparent cancer causes or protection. Will lifestyle choices such as drinking coffee, getting anti-oxidants from the health food store, or avoiding hormonal replacement therapy really protect us from cancer or is it all in our genes? Join Simon Powell, Chair of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center, New York for a conversation about evidence and hearsay on the leading cause of death for Americans under 75.
Rock Guitar in 11 Dimensions
What causes the revolutionary, history changing sound of rock guitar and how can it help us understand the nature of the stuff we're made of? Mark Lewney, winner of the first UK FameLab competition, examines the physics of rock using riffs from Vivaldi to Queen and explains how string vibrations might lie at the heart of some of the big questions about our universe.
What Do We Really Know about the Universe?
Where are we? This is one of the most fundamental questions we can ask about our Universe. Take an extraordinary trip through the Universe, starting at the planet Earth, continuing past the solar system, through our Milky Way galaxy and traveling to the very edge of the observed Universe. This breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating journey with Professor Giovanni Fazio, Department of Astronomy, Harvard University, Head of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, reveals our current knowledge of the UniverseÕs structureÑand our place in it.
The Science of Baseball
David Peters is a dedicated Cardinals fan and Professor of Engineering at Washington University. Join him for a scientific look at America's Favorite Pastime including: the merits of different bats, ball speed and trajectory, the left-handed player, catching a fly ball, and even the psychology of guessing what the opposition is going to do next. Video footage courtesy of KSDK NewsChannel 5.
Seven Rules of Dating
Scientists have contemplated gravity and delved into quantum physics. Now, science turns to some of the truly perplexing
questions: "Can I seduce a woman by making her laugh?" or "Why hasn't he called?" Comedienne Timandra Harkness consults TVs "Big Brother" psychologist Harry Witchel for scientific tips on better relationships, using sophisticated experimental equipment and audience volunteers. Learn the hidden logic that underlies all human love.
Energy for the Future
Biofuels, nuclear power, solar energy, wind power and fossil fuelsÑchoosing and using energy sources may be the most important challenge for the next 20 years. Global economics, the environment, global weather, your wallet, and your local living standards will all be impacted. Join James McLaren of StrathKirn¨ Inc. for a discussion which will include factual numbers on
consumption and future supply, information that may help you decide which is the best choice for a more sustainable future. You might be surprised!
The Hard Cell: Are Stem Cells the Answer?
Stem cells are hailed as a future source of cures for many diseases from Parkinson's to cancer. However this miracle discovery has been surrounded by controversy. Join Steve Teitelbaum, Messing Professor of Pathology at Washington University in
St. Louis and Rick Borchelt, former White House special assistant for public affairs for Clinton as they discuss the latest developments in stem cell science and what the American public really thinks.
Science of Chocolate
Wonderful news about our favorite food—it's good for us in so many ways! Terry Wakefield is the first-ever chief chocolatier at Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier. He is also a food scientist combining chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and engineering to create blissful, delectable chocolates. Join him to understand science applied to chocolate and experience what the taste of a fine couverture can do for you!
The Saint Louis Science Center would like to thank the following organizations for their support in making SciFest 08 possible:
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Washington University in
St. Louis
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Missouri Division of Tourism
- Chase Park Plaza
- St. Louis Regional Chamber
and Growth Association
- St. Louis Convention
and Visitors Commission
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Saint Louis Zoo
- Donald Danforth Plant
Science Center
- Lambert St. Louis
International Airport
- Webster University
- St. Louis Community Colleges
- University of Missouri
- Missouri University of Science
and Technology
- Innovate St. Louis
- Academy of Science-St. Louis
- St. Louis IT Coalition
- Missouri Biotechnology Association
- St. Louis Coalition of Plant
and Life Sciences
- Emerging Leadership Council —Saint Louis Science Center
OASIS
- Fontbonne University
- Missouri Coalition for Life
Saving Cures
- St. Louis University High School
- River City Professionals
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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