What is SciCafé St. Petersburg? An informal discussion series currently presented as a partnership between The Pier Aquarium and the American Chemical Society, SciCafé St. Petersburg was created in 2009 to raise awareness and satisfy a person's curiosity about things scientific. SciCafé St. Petersburg '09 is brought to the community by University of South Florida College of Marine Science, the American Chemical Society, NOVAscienceNOW (WGBH Educational Foundation), various host restaurants and The Pier Aquarium.
The Concept: four science discussions held at different or alternate restaurant venues the third Tuesday of the month in January, April, July and October.
The science cafe is an international program that piques curiosity and brings the discussion of science into the mainstream. With 2009 designated as The Year of Science, the concept is one we heartily endorsed as The Pier Aquarium prides itself on providing community marine education. Our mission "to enhance the public's understanding aof the value and fragility of the local and global marine environment through research, education and personal experiences" speaks to the important role we play in translating science information to the community.
The science café movement is growing rapidly in pubs, coffeehouses and other casual public venues throughout the world. No one organization "controls" or claims credit for creating the Science Café concept in the United States, but many science cafés were inspired by Café Scientifique based in the United Kingdom.
Sciencecafes.org, created in 2006 by NOVA scienceNOW in association with Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, brings together all science café resources into one single U.S. Web site.
Our Science Café Format A science café's casual meeting place, plain language and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background. Each meetings centers on an interesting topic. We may show a short NOVA video at the beginning of the program to jumpstart the discussion. An "expert" opens the discussion with opening remarks and then it takes off from there...with everyone's participation.
The Pier Aquarium, Inc. meets all the requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free within the state of Florida (1-800-435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
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