A&S' "What's New in Science" is Back for Spring 2013

 

By Sarah Geegan

The science may be new, but the program itself is in its second year, after tremendous success in 2011-2012. The College of Arts and Sciences' "What's New in Science" series, an outreach program aimed to strengthen UK's relationships with high school science programs, will once again engage teachers and youth in various scientific areas.

A succession of UK scientists will discuss emerging discoveries and exciting developments occurring now in the realm of science. Held in a casual round table format, professors from various disciplines and science teachers from Kentucky schools talk among themselves at these events, asking questions and discussing answers about new and emerging scientific knowledge.

Each session focuses on a new topic in one of the sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the series makes its topics and level appropriate for a broad audience – students, faculty, and general public – as well as for teachers. 

"The university already has a strong history in supporting science teachers in Kentucky Schools," said Sally Shafer, the PIMSER sponsored director of outreach for the UK Department of Physics and Astronomy. "Now in its second year, this series is designed for high school and middle school science teachers, and all other interested learners, to learn more about the most recent discoveries, events and advancements in science today. It is outreach that teachers have asked the university to provide."

The upcoming session will feature Tim Gorringe, from the UK Department of Physics and Astronomy.
 
"My session is focused on the nature of mass," Gorringe said. "I think the topic is interesting as, while we all experience mass in our everyday lives, recent scientific discoveries have uncovered a spectacular new understanding  of its origin."
 

All sessions this spring take place at 6:30 p.m.: 

Monday, Feb. 25: Tim Gorringe, UK Department of Physics and Astronomy: "What is Mass?" This event will cover the recent discovery and meaning of the elusive Higgs particle.        

Thursday, March 14: Anne-Frances Miller, UK Department of Chemistry: "of Bits and Bonds:  Hi-Tech Methods Predict the Newest Molecules." This event will display a glimpse of the symphony of reactions among the millions of molecules that underlie life.

Monday, March 25: Christia Brown, UK Department of Psychology: "Gender on the Brain: The Science versus the Stereotypes." This event will examine what brain science does and does not tell us about differences in male and female brain development.   

Monday, April 8: Dave Moecher, UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences: "The Challenges and Perils of Earthquake Prediction."  This event will explore why it is so difficult to predict when earthquakes will occur and the current the scientific debate over Kentucky’s own New Madrid fault.  

For more information on the series, topics, how to register to attend, and parking information, visit http://www.as.uky.edu/new-in-science

There is no charge for events; the public is welcome, but should register to attend. Parking is free. 

Events are also videotaped and later made available online. To view the 2012 videos and Q&A, click here.

For questions, see the ‘contact’ link on the web site, or email Sally Shafer at shafer@pa.uky.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu