Skeptics are the quintessential science fans. They enjoy learning about new scientific discoveries, they appreciate what science has given us in terms of a reliable food supply, greatly improved methods of coping with disease and infirmity, and technological discoveries that have improved communication and provided new sources of energy that can reduce human toil. So it is not surprising that skeptics tend to be short tempered when science is abused in the promotion of unscientific views --- some of which are injurious to our fellow citizens. But communicating the advantages of the scientific epistemology to our fellow citizens requires understanding some of the alternative ways of knowing commonly in use. Understanding reasoning from authority, reasoning from internal states of being, and reasoning using science will be discussed.

SkeptiCal
The Northern California Skeptics Conference
sponsored by
Bay Area Skeptics & Sacramento Skeptical Society

Rosenau and Newton will share their experiences at the nation's only organization dedicated to defending evolution against creationist attacks in public schools. Rosenau, a biologist, and Newton, a geologist, will describe how creationist attacks have changed since the failure of intelligent design creationism in a Dover, PA courtroom in 2005. They will describe new anti-evolution laws being introduced across the nation, the impact of Texas' new requirement that textbooks include creationist claims, and the growing nexus between global warming denial and anti-evolutionism.

Twenty four lucky members will raft the full length of the canyon from Marble Canyon to South Cove, experiencing one of the most beautiful and majestic natural features on the planet.

Of course, as Eugenie Scott, NCSE's executive director, will inform the rafters, the whole Colorado plateau was laid down by the receding waters of Noah's Flood about 4,300 years ago, and the Grand Canyon itself was gouged catastrophically in a matter of days. Geologist Alan "Gish" Gishlick, Gustavus Adolphus College, will present the standard geological history of Grand Canyon to the rafters — and "they can make up their own minds."

NCSE's "Creation/Evolution Grand Canyon Raft Trip" is a wonderful way to learn about the creationism/evolution controversy in a fabulous natural setting.

The 2009 trip sold out early.
Make reservations now for 2010!

Calling all middle school, high school, and community college biology teachers and science educators!

Put on your evolution eyeglasses and your nature of science thinking cap and join us for (yet another) fun-filled five days of evolutionary explorations with biologists and educators from the University of California.

The Think Evolution Summer Institute, back by popular demand, will combine lectures by prominent biologists with sessions focused on hands-on activities for the middle school, high school, and community college classroom.

Topics this year to include: How evolution informs big ideas; Molecular evolution—from gene trees to species phylogenies; Continued discussion of the important role of developmental biology in generating new insights into evolution; and the latest developments in human and primate evolution. Check out the most recent developments in evolution and explore how to integrate these topics into your curriculum. Follow up with biologists and participating educators at the Evo-Picnic to be held the following February.

SUMMER INSTITUTE
sponsored by the
University of California Museum of Paleontology
and the
National Center for Science Education

A panel at the Council for Secular Humanism’s 30th Anniversary Conference.

What is the universe made of? Why did dinosaurs go extinct? What do magic tricks and hip-hop have to with math? What can amphibians and reptiles tell us about the environment? What do engineers have to do with baseball? Find out at the first ever USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo on the National Mall. NCSE is an Expo Partner and will have a table there.

Explore science & engineering with hundreds of free, hands-on activities and over 40 science shows on three different stages. The two-day Expo is perfect for teens, children and their families, and anyone with a curious mind who is looking for a weekend of fun and discovery.

Build an underwater robot, chat with a Nobel Laureate, explore the science behind the magic of Hogwarts Academy and see a car that drives itself. From bugs to birds, kitchen chemistry to computer games, environmental monitoring to electronic music – the Expo has something for everyone and is completely free of charge.

The Expo is the pinnacle event of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival to be held in the greater Washington D.C. area October 10-24, 2010. The USA Science & Engineering Festival is a collaboration of over 500 of the nation’s leading science and engineering organizations.