ABOUT OUR SCIENCE CAFES

What is Science Café Evanston?

Science Cafe is a forum for the discussion of important and interesting scientific issues. They are informal and accessible - much more so than a public lecture. It's an opportunity to gather with old and new friends in a relaxed atmosphere while participating in a program of very cool scientific 'stuff'! No cover charge, EVER!

Who will be there?

Audiences consist of people who are interested in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their views with, and ask questions of, someone "in the know". No scientific knowledge is assumed by the speakers, so anyone can participate.

What happens at a Science Cafe?

Cafes start with a short talk from the research scientist who introduces the topic. After this there will be a short break to allow glasses to be refilled and conversations to start. This is followed by a 1/2 hour or so of questions and answers and general discussion. Anyone can ask a question, and positively welcomed will be those which begin "This might be a stupid question, but ..." These questions are invariably not stupid and often rather insightful.

Where and When?

  Our Science Café Evanston is scheduled to be held typically on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, September through June, and takes place between 6:15 and 7:30 pm at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston. Please see the schedule for more information.

What subjects will be discussed?

Science Café Evanston will cover a wide range of issues relating to science and technology: evolution, nanotechnology, stem cell research, scientific ethics, human relationships, public transportation, engineering, cancer, circadian sleep patterns and more!.  Science Café Evanston always welcomes suggestions from the audience about their programs!

 

What is the Junior Science Café?

It's an opportunity to bring science to life, an informal discussion, with the purpose of exploring topics and creating a comfortable space for kids to talk about science and technology stuff that matters to them, not just what’s in the school curriculum. It’s about connecting teen age culture with science because science is a part of everyday life.

Who will be there?

Junior Science Café’s target audience is students in middle through high school, because they like to ponder cool concepts with a science professional who speaks their language. Parents, grandparents, teachers are encouraged to attend as well.

Students get to question a practicing scientist and speak to them in a relaxed atmosphere. What the café brings is the idea that science is not about being a geek, and it isn't something that goes on primarily in the classroom.

What happens at a Junior Science Cafe?

The subject will be current, relevant to the lives of the audience, a bit controversial, not too technical and easily grasped.  And no cover charges! Just bring your smart self!

Where and When?

 We hold Junior Science Cafe 1 between 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on a Saturday of each month at the Boocoo Café. A light lunch will be served.  No reservations necessary.  Please see the schedule for more information. 

Junior Science Cafe 2 will be held on a Friday each month at the Evanston Public Library upstairs, 3rd floor, in the teen loft from 4 - 5:15 pm. Snacks will be available.  Please see the schedule for more information. 

 

 

ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PRESENTATIONS

PREVIOUS SCHEDULE for Junior Science Cafe 08-09:

 

PREVIOUS SCHEDULE for Science Cafe Evanston 08-09:

 

Feel free to send an email if you have a suggested topic and/or speaker to suzanne-auburn@northwestern.edu

 

**Photo Credits
Nano Photo, Melissa Suran/Medill School of Journalism