Area teens tackled zombies and other topics this week as part of Teen Science Cafés, hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach.
Inspired by the adult Café Scientifique programs that have become popular throughout the world, these monthly programs, which are part of a national effort, were designed to engage young people and get them involved in STEM-oriented conversations. St. Louis is one of a handful of cities across the country facilitating discussions.
“This is a primarily teen-led program and was designed specifically for teens,” said Sean Herberts, outreach coordinator for the SIUE STEM Center. “We will have a variety of topics—a new one each month. Each topic is presented in an interactive way by a real scientist, who also leads an informal discussion where teens are encouraged to ask questions.”
With financial support from the National Science Foundation, area teens have access to nationally prominent scientists, engineers and inventors. The SIUE STEM Center is working with its collaborating partners—the Academy of Science – St. Louis and the St. Louis Science Center’s Taylor Center—to make the local events possible. Events recently held at the Academy of Science, the Taylor Center and the Cahokia School of Choice in Cahokia drew a combined total of 140 area teens.
Described as a free, fun way for teens to explore the latest science and technology ideas, the program is aimed at starting the conversations with prominent leaders in their fields, while providing a non-intimidating, relaxed environment. Future program topics include bionics—which focuses on computer-brain interfaces and robotic prosthetics—slated for March, and the human mind is being discussed for April.
To learn more about the initiative, visit the Teen Café St. Louis website, teencafestl.org or call the SIUE STEM Center, (618) 650-3065.