Science Café Little Rock

Linda Williams, AR Science Café founder/director

I begin each café event by:

• Introducing the origins of the science café concept,
• Explaining how science cafés help you meet new people, make friends, and share the marvels of scientific research and its progress,
• Urging folks with strong opinions and/or hecklers to listen first and then “take it outside” if they can’t engage in reasonable conversation,
• Promising to ask a “stupid” question during the event so attendees can go home with the satisfaction of knowing his/her question was not as stupid as mine!

This last comment always elicits a chuckle and sets a fun and relaxed tone.

When Panelists Cancel...

During an event on the topic of forensics, two of the three panelists cancelled just minutes before the start of the event (due to a homicide they had to handle)! To make matters worse, the remaining scientist was not very outgoing, and had only agreed to participate because of the other experts who were supposed to attend.

Since I had written a book on Careers in Forensics for middle-grade students, I became the ad hoc panelist that night, discussing my research for the book and various career paths for students. The scientist relaxed after a few questions and the evening turned out to be a success.

When someones asks an unexpected question...

The most awkward question in our four-year history came during the second month after our kick-off. The topic was “Mathematics and Music: Is There Really a Connection?” The three panelists were a high school band director, a little Rock Symphony bassoonist, and a Ph.D. scientist in the physics department of a local university whose research focused on the acoustics of sound—and who crafted wooden dulcimers as a hobby.

The first question after the presentations was: “That was really amazing and fantastic information. I was just wondering if you could explain the music of the cosmos and the planets.”

You could have heard a pin drop. The panelists looked at each other and moderator. Luckily, the physics professor said quickly, “The research of one of my colleagues, who just happens to be in the audience tonight, is in astrophysics. Could you help us out?”

The colleague stood up and gave an impromptu explanation on wave vibration, the rotation of planets about an axis, and the potential for wobble/vibration which theoretically could be a source of cosmic sound. The questioner was happy and the event went on smoothly.

Lessons learned:  Sometimes, cafés can be unpredictable!  Be prepared just in case a panelist has to cancel at the last minute, and and don't forget that members of your audience may have a wealth of knowledge to share, too!