**the BC Student Scholars Program for the AAAS Conference is now closed**
For students who are interested in the sciences, the AAAS Conference provides information and news about what's happening in and around the world of scientific development and research. The different seminars, events, and workshops cover numerous issues and topics including climate change, health, government policies and outerspace. This 5-day meeting allows students to gain a fresh perspective on current local and global problems, and the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their classrooms to the outside world.
The following are just a few things that students would enjoy at the 2012 AAAS Conference:
INTERESTING LECTURES BY INTERESTING PEOPLE:
Mike Lazaridis: Vice-Chair, RIM Board of Directors; Founder and Board Chair, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
- Hear this visionary and innovator talk about "The Power of Ideas" on February 17 (Friday) at 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Ballroom C of the VCC West Buidling.
James Hansen: Director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies; Adjunct Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University
- Together with Olivia Judson (Imperial College London), Hans Rosling (Karolinska Institute; Gapminder Foundation) and Frank Senso (George Washington University), they will be debating on science related global challenges in the Plenary Panel "Science Is Not Enough".
EYE-OPENING SESSIONS AND TALKS:
On February 17, Friday:
Life in the Pressure Cooker: Evolution at the Bottom of the Ocean
- This session discusses how marine life, more specifically those that are at lower depths, would cope with the changes in the environment such as climate change. Many are well aware that pH, temperature and gas composition in the ocean are vital to their survival, but not many are aware of marine life's sensitivity to the pressure they experience underwater.
On February 18, Saturday:
Exploding Myths on Reactor Security, Harm Reduction, and Genetically Modified Organisms
- There are a lot of controversies surrounding newer applications of sciences such as nuclear reactors and GMO's. It has become a battle between science and "morality". However, this discussion aims at seeing the other side and proving that these are risks that should be taken to be able to achieve better results in the future.
Using Pop-Culture Icons To Slip Science into the Mainstream
- The objective of this session is to share experiences and provide guidance about how to use this outreach (e.g. using superheroes and science fiction in movies, books, and T.V.) to help bring scientific understanding to the broader public.
On February 19, Saturday:
Neuroscience and Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: A Cross-Country View
- If you're interested in T.V. shows such as CBS's "Criminal Minds" and Fox's "Lie to Me", this is the session to go to. It examines the ways in which findings from bench neuroscientists, using techniques such as neuroimaging, become implicated in criminal justice proceedings and how views of who is guilty and the following consequences are influenced by new knowledge of the brain.
SUPER FUN EVENTS:
- The whole family's invited to watch stage shows and engage in hands-on activities!
- Sieze the opportunity of meeting scientists and talking to them about anything and everything in the world of science!
National Public Radio’s Talk of the National: Science Friday
- Join host Ira Flatow for a live broadcast of Science Friday, heard on public radio stations throughout the U.S
- The poster sessions allow you to browse around the studies done by both students and professionals, and they provide a venue for casual questions and discussions.
WHAT TO DO WITH A SCIENCE DEGREE?
Attend these workshops and seminars to gain more insight on the possibilities of careers in science after graduation.
The Engaged Scientist: Preparing for Careers that Involve Public Outreach
- Presenters will share strategies, tactics, and tips to integrate outreach into their career plan, whether they are interested in research-focused or non-academic careers.
Standing Up for Science: A Media Workshop
- In this workshop, the panel will discuss both the upsides and downsides of science reporting, but at the same time, encourage early career researchers to get involved in public debates about science, even when they are controversial.
Early Career Scientists in a Flat World
- Widely recognized as being among the most creative and energetic researchers, young scientists are also more mobile, more numerous, and better trained than ever before. This session will try to engage these scientists from around the world to capitalize on their creative talents and energy to address problems of a global concern.
FOR TEACHERS:
On February 17, Friday:
Sharing Science with the Public Worldwide: Resources for Informal Education Outreach
- This session will focus on recent work to develop resources for public outreach, make them broadly available internationally, and support their use.
On February 18, Saturday:
Demand-Driven Science: Engaging the Future Generation in Solving Tomorrow's Problems
- This session focuses on new methods to engage young people in science using real-world problems instead of traditional subject-based teaching.
On February 19, Sunday:
New Concepts in Integrating Arts and Science Research for a Global Knowledge Society
- This symposium will explore new models in higher education that aim to develop and support art and science collaborations.
On February 20, Monday:
More than a Field Trip: Developing Student Leaders To Address Global Challenges
- Developing classes to investigate grand challenges that are global, multicultural, and multidisciplinary is daunting. Speakers will discuss several aspects of the educational challenges.
For more information about all the other super awesome things that you could do at AAAS 2012, visit: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/.
Also, BCIC is providing support for 200 students to enjoy one year of membership in the AAAS. For more information about this, visit the BC AAAS Student Scholars page or the TRIUMF website.
See you at the Conference!