Café Scientifique facts for kids

Imagine a place where you can chat about cool science ideas, not in a classroom, but in a relaxed café! That's what a Café Scientifique is all about. It's a fun way to explore the latest discoveries in science and technology. You can grab a drink, listen to a scientist, and then ask all your burning questions.

Café Scientifique started in the United Kingdom and now exists in over 60 towns and cities there. It has also spread all around the world! The idea came from Duncan Dallas, who was inspired by similar "Café Philosophique" (philosophy café) events he saw in France. These events are usually run by local volunteers. They often use names like "Café Scientifique" or "Science Café".

How Does a Science Café Work?

Most Science Cafés follow a simple plan. They usually meet once a month in the evening. The location is often a café or bar, not a school or university. One or more scientists are invited to talk about their work. They might discuss a hot topic or even something a bit controversial.

What Happens at a Meeting?

In the UK, the scientist usually talks for about 15 to 20 minutes. They introduce the topic without using fancy presentation slides. After their talk, there's a short break. Then comes the best part: a longer time for questions and discussion! Everyone can join in and share their thoughts.

The main goal of these cafés is to get people talking about science and technology. They want to show how science affects our daily lives. Cafés are known for being friendly and informal. They also help people see scientists as approachable and interesting. This can even make science careers seem more appealing!

Science Cafés Around the World

The way Science Cafés are run can be a bit different in various countries:

• In Denmark, they often have two speakers, one of whom is not a scientist.
• In France, there might be four speakers and even a band playing music during a break!
• In Japan, people send their questions by text message to a big screen. This way, everyone feels comfortable asking questions, no matter their age.
• In Africa, the topics are often very practical. They might discuss how to live with HIV, avoid malaria, or purify water. This helps people understand science issues that affect their communities.

The Story of Science Cafés

The very first Café Scientifique in the UK was started in Leeds in 1998 by Duncan Dallas. It was inspired by the Café Philosophique movement. This movement was started by a philosopher named Marc Sautet in France in 1992.

How They Are Organized

In the UK, most Science Cafés are run by volunteers. They often don't get money from big organizations or the government. To cover costs, like a speaker's travel, they might ask for small donations from the audience. This allows groups to try out different ways to share science. They might include street science, comedy, music, or even dancing!

Science for Everyone

When Café Scientifique first started, some people thought it was strange. Why would people go to a café to talk about science instead of just chatting? But at the time, people were becoming more interested in science topics. They wanted to understand things like Mad Cow Disease, GM crops (genetically modified crops), and cloning.

At first, many scientists thought the public just needed to be "educated" about science. But Café Scientifique helped change this idea. It showed that people wanted to "engage" with science. They wanted to discuss it and have their questions answered. What started as an unusual idea has now become very popular. Many academic groups, government departments, and educators now use a similar format.

Science Cafés for Young People

Between 2003 and 2005, Café Scientifique in the UK received support from the Wellcome Trust. This organization later helped start "Junior Café Scientifique" in UK schools. They also supported similar programs in schools in Uganda. In these junior cafés, students get to choose the science topics they want to discuss. They also help organize, advertise, and lead the meetings themselves!

Science Cafés have also expanded beyond big cities. They've gone to the countryside, like Montana in the US and the Lake District in the UK. They've even reached islands like Corfu in Greece and Orkney in Scotland. They also aim to reach communities that might not have easy access to science discussions, like some ethnic minority groups.

Why Are Science Cafés Important?

Even though Café Scientifique is an idea, the location is very important. Meeting in a relaxed café helps keep the atmosphere friendly and conversational. It's very different from a formal lecture hall. Everyone who attends is treated with equal respect.

The famous author and neurologist Oliver Sachs said that the goal of Café Scientifique is "to bring science back into culture." Sometimes, science can seem boring, difficult, or full of complicated math. But Science Cafés want to show that science is relevant, powerful, and important. They tackle big topics like the universe, climate change, gene mapping, and how our brains work.

New Ideas for Science Cafés

The internet has helped Science Cafés grow even more. The main website offers help to new organizers around the world. Individual cafés also use their own websites to reach more people and continue discussions online.

In Melbourne, Australia, there's a cool new idea called 'Campfires and Science'. It uses the same principles as a Science Café. But instead of a café, people gather around a campfire! They learn, share ideas, and even get involved in doing science themselves. By organizing trips into forests and wilderness areas, this movement helps connect city people with rural areas. It encourages everyone to participate in science, like surveying animal species or mapping areas using drones.

See also

• British Association for the Advancement of Science
• British Council
• Green Drinks
• dorkBot
• Nerd Nite
• Science festival
• Science outreach
• SkeptiCamp