Sweet science

Alex Wirth | Generation: Next

5/15/2008 - 5/15/08

A spring breeze drifts into a room of about 50 students and parents gathered to learn about how the graphic design of computer games can be applied to agent-based modeling. This was the sixth and final Science Café for Young Thinkers that the Santa Fe Alliance for Science has hosted.

It has been hugely popular, drawing crowds from 30 to 100 students who have come to listen to scientists visiting Santa Fe. The topics this year have included global warming, computer modeling, solar energy and natural disasters.

Next year's topics for the fall are going to be sexually transmitted diseases and forensic and veterinary sciences.

The program is sponsored by the Santa Fe Institute, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the Santa Fe Public Schools, the New Mexico Department of Education and the Alliance for Science. The program's goal is to use scientists and engineers to help students learn science and math.

The Santa Fe Alliance for Science also provides tutoring for kids who struggle with math and science. Further information on these programs can be found at www.sfafs.org.

By the end of lecture, there was a new feeling or curiosity in the room, which is exactly what the project directors are looking for. They are very excited about next year's programs and invite anybody that is interested to come for a night of science, math and refreshments.



Alex Wirth is a freshman at Santa Fe Preparatory. You can reach him at AlxWirth@gmail.com.