More about Year of Science 2009

Year of Science 2009

Try a Themed Approach!

The underlying thread of Year of Science 2009 is to celebrate "how we know what we know." It's purpose is to engage the public in science and improve public understanding about how science works, why it matters, and who scientists are.

If you, your organization, or your COPUS regional hub isn't sure where to start in planning YoS09 activities-the COPUS community suggests trying a themed approach - match your activities with the focus of the month:

  • January - Process and Nature of Science; Communicating Science

  • July - Astronomy

  • February - Evolution

  • August - Weather and Climate

  • March - Physics and Technology

  • September - Biodiversity and Conservation

  • April - Energy resources

  • October - Geosciences and Planet Earth

  • May - Sustainability and the Environment

  • November - Chemistry

  • June - Oceans and Water

  • December - Science & health

By following this thematic approach, your organization can:

  • Focus your YoS09 activities in the month(s) that best reflect your interests and expertise.

  • Take the challenge of weaving your specific science interest or specialty through all the themes to demonstrate how interconnected science is!

  • Seek out an expert in one of the themes with whom you have never worked before and design an activity combining your interests.

  • If you are an expert in a theme, volunteer to be on a team to build public-friendly resources for the community to share!

  • Host a Science Café in your community each month and use the themes as a guide for planning!

We encourage you to coordinate with science outreach professionals in your community, such as museums and science centers, to learn how to frame your outreach in a way that appeals to the general public. If you need help meeting folks to work with, let us know! We have thematic hubs ready and waiting to introduce you to their peers in your community!

 

© COPUS 2009
National Science Foundation The cognizant fiduciary body for the COPUS and Year of Science 2009 projects is the American Institute of Biological Sciences Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific association founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences, and an independent, member-governed organization since the 1950s. Support for COPUS workshops by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nos. EAR-0606600, EAR-0628790, and EAR-0814048. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.