After attending the Distinguished Lecture Series at the University of WI Union Theater this past Monday to see Neil deGrasse Tyson, host of PBS's NOVA ScienceNow, which is "an accessible look at the frontier of all the science that shapes the understanding of our place in the universe."
I would say it was the equivalent of a rock concert for geeks (and non-geeks alike who want our country to rise to new heights in the next century.) For a taste of some of his best speeches, go here.
My comments cannot do deGrasse Tyson's talk justice. It was the most entertaining, informed lecture on the importance of science literacy in this country and why we got this point of scientific illiteracy.
I will share a few reviews of the lecture and a few comments from my experience in the seats of the Union with my husband and three boys.
It warmed my heart to see the boys stay engaged for the entire two-hour talk. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One of my younger boys said he couldn't wait until Tyson got to the part when he would mention centillion!
DeGrasse Tyson has the skill to make the powers of ten a cool concept to a boy under the age of ten.
During this time when we explored the universe, we covered the wonder of numbers by beginning with the mundane fast food burger. We then leaped to the concept "of over 99 billion (of these fast food miracles) served" to answer just how much is 100 billion?
I think deGrasse Tyson had them when he took his boots off on stage to be more comfortable during his speech. Every child should have a chance to see such an enlightened, engaging thinker of our time - who is also entertaining and cool enough to be on The Daily Show.
As deGrasse Tyson said, it was a one out of a million chance to meet an astrophysicist. For me, it was the number one reminder of why I do this job of school board member - to continue to inspire each child to reach for the stars and to explore the road for a scientifically literate community.
Now I am pumped to attend Darwin Day 2009 this year!
This is another excellent opportunity in our community to hear from distinguished, entertaining speakers such as Sean Carroll, Patricia McConnell and Jeremy Jackson on science and its impact to our world. Topics will range from Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species, to Darwin, Dogs, and the Emotional Life of Animals, to Evolution and Extinction in the Brave New Ocean.
This year is the 200th Birthday of Charles Darwin - find a way to celebrate.
This is another excellent opportunity in our community to hear from distinguished, entertaining speakers such as Sean Carroll, Patricia McConnell and Jeremy Jackson on science and its impact to our world. Topics will range from Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species, to Darwin, Dogs, and the Emotional Life of Animals, to Evolution and Extinction in the Brave New Ocean.
This year is the 200th Birthday of Charles Darwin - find a way to celebrate.
