As the AAAS Meetings Open, American University Explores the “Human Spark,” Science Education, and the Debate Over Evolution

Today marks the opening in Washington, DC of the annual meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest event dedicated to science, policy, and culture.  In recognition of the opening of the meetings, tonight at 730pm on the campus of American University we will be hosting a screening of “The Human Spark,” the PBS series awarded a 2010 AAAS prize for science journalism and directed by School of Communication professor Larry Engel.

Following the screening, I will be leading a panel discussion featuring Larry Engel, Eugenie Scott of the National Center for Science Education, and Jay Labov of the National Academies.  Our discussion will focus on the public understanding of evolutionary science, the role of the media, and innovations and debates in science education.  Following the event, Scott will be signing copies of her book Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools.   

The event is part of the Science in Society Film and Lecture series organized by the School of Communication and co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of International Service, and the School of Public Affairs. The next event is Friday, Feb. 25 at 130pm featuring Roger Pielke Jr., University of Colorado political scientist and author of The Climate Fix: What Scientists and Politicians Won’t Tell You about Global Warming.

If you don’t live in the DC area, or can’t make tonight’s event, a news story and video will be available next week.

Information:

730-930on, Thursday, February 17

Wechsler Theater, Mary Graydon Center 315

Campus map, directions, and parking

Watch a trailer of the Human Spark series below and visit the series web site.