Beschreibung:
<jats:p>Saturday Morning Science (SMS) is a free public lecture series held every Saturday at the University Of Missouri throughout the fall and winter semesters. Talks are geared toward the general public and include discussions of basic scientific concepts, demonstrations, and a question‐and‐answer session. Since 2003 we have presented over 220 talks with a total attendance of about 29,000. Weekly attendance averages ~150, with between 75% and 95% of the audience coming from the community. Most attendees are adults, but the audience includes K‐12 students and teachers, children, retirees, and others. About 30% have attended more than ten SMS presentations. The speakers, informal atmosphere, and volunteer support are keys to the success of SMS. We choose excellent speakers who can present science in a lively and engaging manner and convey science in a way that is entertaining and accessible. Topics vary widely: physics, computer vision, plant immunity, epidemiology, linguistics, planet formation, fuel cells, traditional medicine in Africa, and more. We seek to present exciting science to the public as well as foster a culture where engagement between scientists and the public is the norm. Support for SMS comes from the MU Office of Research, Monsanto, the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, the MU Bookstore, and volunteers.</jats:p>