During this Café Scientifique, Dr. Edward Geary, Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings, NSF will discuss "Science Learning 2050: Exploring the Future of Education." Imagine a future where students have the opportunity to design Nano-materials to improve energy efficiency, manipulate robots on the surface of Mars and virtually explore the bottom of the ocean; where teachers are facilitators and guides as much as subject matter experts; and where the concept of “school” is expanded from a building where students go to learn 9 months a year, to a diverse set of physical, temporal and virtual environments where students can learn anytime, anywhere, about any topic from experts, teachers and peers around the world. Science learning in this world is not measured by standardized tests but by student’s ability to formulate questions, design experiments and devices, analyze data and information, apply knowledge, assess uncertainties, solve problems, make decisions, create products and participate in rich collaborations and discussions.

The goal of Café Scientifique is to make science more accessible and accountable by featuring speakers whose expertise spans the sciences and who can talk in plain English. Please come early to order table service and socialize. Special half-price burgers start at 5:30 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by Q&A. No science background required! Café Scientifique is free and open to the public but advanced registration is requested.