The Cost of Scientific Illiteracy

SEATTLE--Our society is behind the eight ball when it comes science literacy. That's no surprise. But are our efforts to improve actually making things worse? Author and science policy journalist Chris Mooney will join local experts, including our own Dennis Schatz, UW Dean of the Evans School of Public Affairs Sandra Archibald, WSU researcher Steve Jones and others at Pacific Science Center on Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m.

Actively addressing issues of science and society through rich dialogue and debate is one of Pacific Science Center's strategic initiatives and we look forward to what should be a very provocative evening. The event will be held at Pacific Science Center's Eames Theater. For more information, check out website pacificsciencecenter.org.

Here are the details:

Dumb, Getting Dumber? The Cost of Scientific Illiteracy;
Author Chris Mooney
May 14 - 7:00 p.m.
Pacific Science Center's Eames Theater

Presented by the Northwest Science Writers Association (http://www.nwscience.org/) and Pacific Science Center, this promises to be a lively discussion about science illiteracy in the United States. Mooney is the author of several books including his latest entitled "Unscientific America: How scientific illiteracy threatens our future" In the book, Mooney discusses how corporate interests, a weak education system, science-phobic politicians, and hyper specialized scientists have created the dangerous state of affairs we now find ourselves in. During the forum Chris will discuss a broad array of initiatives that could reverse the current trend and lead to the greater integration of science into our school system--before it is too late. For more information, please call
(206) 443-2001 or go to pacificsciencenter.org

Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle.

About Pacific Science Center
We offer hundreds of fun and inspiring interactive science exhibits, two giant IMAX(R) screens that frequently show IMAX films in 3D, traveling exhibits, a tropical butterfly house where you will see butterflies up close and personal, giant robotic dinosaurs, a high-rail bicycle you can ride that challenges you to learn about weight and balance, you can learn about water pressure by shooting the water cannons, we have a Laser show theater which mixes music with spectacular laser lights, and throughout each year we offer great special events and so much more! (You can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at pacificsciencecenter.org).

CONTACT:

Wendy Malloy
Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109
206/443-2879
wendy_malloy@pacsci.org