Where will you be on April 22? For many in the research community, the day is marked on the calendar for the March for Science in Washington, DC, or at one of the sister marches planned for cities around the country and around the world.
Momentum for the marches is picking up steam, and Sigma Xi has joined in as a partner. The Society recognizes that this opportunity to promote research in an apolitical and nonpartisan manner is critical. We support the organizers’ goals of encouraging the use of science in policy decisions and encouraging scientists to speak out in their communities about the research they do and why it’s important.
I encourage you to find a March for Science near you, and see how you can get involved. Perhaps your Sigma Xi chapter can work with local organizers to nominate public speakers, help with logistics, or provide scientific expertise. If you’re not in a chapter, spread the word about the march in your area.
If you participate, tell the people you meet about Sigma Xi and encourage them to join our team, either as a member, an affiliate, or an explorer. We want to share the value of research. The more voices we have, the better. Remember, this is about being FOR SCIENCE, not against anything or anyone.
Kids Science Reading Corner
How many unanswered questions might we have today if generations of scientists hadn’t had the freedom to conduct research and share their results? These books help convey the breadth of questions scientists strive to answer—and they can also serve as a catalyst for discussion.
• First Encyclopedia of Science (ages 5–10): This book aims to satisfy young kids’ curiosity, unraveling such mysteries as why objects fall as well as why some things float and others sink.
• Big Questions from Little People, by Gemma Elwin Harris (ages 8 and up): Scientists and science communicators, among others, answer kids’ questions, helping them understand the world as we know it, as well as the broader universe.
• The Handy Science Answer Book (ages 9 and up): A comprehensive science reference book, set up in a question-and-answer format.
With luck, these books might lead kids to ask even more questions—ones they might research themselves someday.
Sincerely,
John C. Nemeth, PhD
Executive Director and CEO
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
Publisher of American Scientist
Sigma Xi Speaks is a monthly series of information that we hope you share with others. Find past articles on this blog.