The What

Science-related happenings in and around Philadelphia, PA

Science on Tap: Colin Purrington “Embracing Darwin” November 9, 6pm

[ November 9, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] I have to admit, Colin Purrington, Swarthmore prof and evolution activist, is one of my heroes. Check out his site, you’ll love it: http://www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/evolk12/evoops.htm

I really hope to make this particular cafe, even though I’ve seen him speak a bunch of times.

“Embracing Darwin”
Charles Darwin turned 200 in February, and his book On the Origin [...]

IgNobel Prizes simulcast at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Oct 1, 7pm

[ October 1, 2009; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] It is the premier event in the field of science humor, the IgNobel Prizes.

Now, for the first time, you can view it live! Well, for the first time without taking a train to Boston.

Still, its a coup for the surprisingly decidedly hip Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Ig Nobel Prizes Live Streaming
Date: [...]

Space Week 2009 at the Franklin Institute Oct 3 – 8

[ October 3, 2009 to October 8, 2009. ] According to the title of the Franklin Institute’s press release, Space and Robots will collide during World Space Week 2009.

Fortunately, space is fairly big, so I’m sure there is room for both space AND robots in…well…space. The event starts Oct. 3 with a robotics competition and ends on the 8th with a special edition [...]

The Nikola Tesla Energy Independence celebrations THIS WEEKEND

Whoa, how did I miss this.
Today marks the 153 birthday of everyone’s favorite real-life mad — meant with all due respect — genius Nikola Tesla. The Nikola Tesla Inventor’s Club is hosting a three-day celebration of the man, his work, and its modern relevance.
Here’s the schedule ripped straight from their site:
Nikola Tesla
Energy Independence [...]

An Introduction to Transition Communities at The Academy of Natural Science’s Town Square

[ July 9, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Come on feel the noise
Girls rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild.

Perhaps I get a different idea when I hear the words “Quiet Riot,” but the Transition Movement is gaining steam (or wind or solar, preferably) and this event, while not necessarily “rocking,” should be very interesting.

The Academy’s under appreciated [...]

Earth Fair this Weekend at The Franklin Institute (7/11-12) 10AM to 3PM

[ July 11, 2009 to July 12, 2009. ] Now, if this weekend is anything like the last, I cannot foresee that anyone would want to spend time indoors at all. But it is July in Philadelphia and the safe bet (without actually bothering to look up the forecast) is that it will be hot and muggy. (Especially) If so, then what a better [...]

Ted Daeschler @ Science on Tap 7/13, National Mechanics 6pm

[ July 13, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Ted Daeschler, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Academy of Natural Science and co-discoverer of Tiktaalik, will present this month at Science on Tap at National Mechanics. I went to last month’s show and I must say that it is a great venue (which could benefit from a riser for the speaker, a box, something!). [...]

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  • Ongoing Events in Philly

    The Franklin Institute
    Body Worlds 2
    October 17, 2009 through February 21, 2010

    The Academy of Natural Sciences
    George Washington Carver
    November 14, 2009 through February 28, 2010


    Chemical Heritage Foundation
    Brown Bag Lecture Series
    Ongoing
    sLowLife
    Through December 31, 2009