Years of Planning Go Into Each Intel ISEF

Judith Hallinen was the Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2012 held this past May in Pittsburgh. The LAC is a core group of science educators and supporters of science education who assist in the organization of the Intel ISEF, including recruiting approximately 1,000 volunteer judges, 500 general volunteers, and 200 interpreters; play a large role in the planning of Education Outreach Day; and more. Below are her thoughts on volunteering for Intel ISEF 2012.

 

While I had been aware of Intel ISEF and supported the affiliated Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair for some time, my first real exposure was during Intel ISEF 2010 in San Jose.  Approximately six months prior to the San Jose event, Pittsburgh had been selected to host Intel ISEF in 2012, 2015, and 2018.  Most of my time in San Jose and at the Intel ISEF 2011 in Los Angeles, I spent learning about as many aspects of the fair as possible- by jumping in to help with all needed tasks.  This firsthand knowledge was important since I served as the chair of the Pittsburgh Local Arrangements Committee.  As I met with various individuals and groups in our city, I could give accurate descriptions of the tasks for which we were asking them to contribute time, expertise or other resources.

 

One interesting note about Intel ISEF 2012 is that most attendees are not aware of the years of planning that go into each event.  Even as the Pittsburgh event was unfolding, groups of volunteers from Phoenix and Los Angeles were present, involved, and are already planning for the 2013 and 2014 Intel ISEFs in their respective cities.  As Pittsburgh prepared to host this May, there was considerable excitement and interest from groups in a variety of sectors including universities, for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, business and economic development organizations, and foundations.  These groups all came together to ensure that the visitors to our city had the best possible experience while they were here and they participated in multiple aspects of the fair, too!

 

For example, my institution, Carnegie Mellon University, supported the LAC by coordinating meetings and communication prior to Intel ISEF.  During the event, we hosted tours for finalists, sponsored an award, had 44 people involved as Grand Awards judges, and also had several groups provide information and demonstrations at the Intel ISEF Expo.  All of these activities are aligned with the university’s belief in supporting the next generation of professionals in science, technology and engineering fields.  As I’ve interacted with the judges from Carnegie Mellon, I consistently hear about the positive experiences from Intel ISEF and how inspiring it was to talk to high school students who are so passionate about their work.  In 2010 and 2011, I also served as a judge- in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category. Since I was chair of the LAC this year, I missed the opportunity to interact with finalists to learn more about their research through the interview process. 

 

Intel ISEF enables the finalists to interact with like-minded peers through the competitive process of the fair, but also during fun events like the Pin Exchange and the social events held at Stage AE, Heinz Field and the Carnegie Science Center.  It is great to see the camaraderie that develops in such a short time. 

 

Following the Grand Award Ceremony, I saw many finalists who were in tears.  A community member asked me if the tears were because students did not receive an award.  As we continued to look we noticed that some of the people in tears were wearing ribbons indicating that they had received an award. I am certain that the sadness was in realizing that the phenomenon that is Intel ISEF will probably be hard to match. Even those who merely watch from the outside, as I have been privileged to do for the last three years, know that Intel ISEF is doing more than can be measured to ensure that the next generation of scientists, engineering and computer scientists will be led by this group of students who have been buoyed by this event.  We look forward to hosting again in 2015!

 

Interested in volunteering for Society for Science & the Public? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities webpage or contact us via email.

Student Observers Blog About Experience at Intel ISEF 2012 (Part 3)

Students from Hudson County, New Jersey, attending the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF 2012) with SSP 2010 Fellow Marie Aloia, wrote daily blog posts for their hometown newspaper about their experience. Below are excerpts from these student blogs (Part 3 of a 3-part blog series).

 

Day 4-
By Tasfia Tasnim and Chrystal Spencer

We started our day off early with the Student Observers’ Caucus at the Westin Hotel, while Jan-Alfred and Mervy, our finalists this year, faced the judges. There, we attended a number of different science-related workshops. We were placed into groups with students from all over the world, separated from our peers; it was a very interesting experience. Being able to speak to and work constructively with those who have similar interests as us from across the globe was indeed a once in a lifetime experience.                                                                                                                                                   

The workshops that we attended included Project Share, where we spoke briefly about the projects that we completed this year with students who did projects in the same category; Science Relay, where we worked intensly against the clock with a group to complete a variety of fun, science-related activities;  Career Exploration, where we spoke with professionals in many different fields about reaching our career goals and the “real world”; Forensics Training, where we got a taste of what it is like to be in the position of a forensic  investigator ; and Science Stations , where we did activities such as extracting DNA from strawberries and making ice-cream. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we were placed into groups to created our very own chain reaction obstacle courses out of recylcled materials.

 

This evening, we attended the Intel ISEF Night. The event was located at the Heinz Stadium and the Carnegie Science Center, which was very close by. It was a very entertaining  way to end such a great day. We ate, played games, mingled with our fellow science peers- just an all-around amazing time.

 

By Mervy Michael

Judging at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair began today. Each person usually got about 6 scheduled judges spaced out in an 8-hour period, from 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM.  And from 4:15 PM to 6 PM were unscheduled[interviews with] judges.  The judging interviews were each about 15 minutes, with a bell at 12 minutes to indicate that time is running out. Judging at the Intel ISEF 2012 was intense and like nothing you’ll ever encounter. At this point in the fair, knowing your project well has become more important than eating.  When we left the hall at 6PM the people waiting outside for us all applauded. 

 

Day 5
By Chris Kennedy

On the fifth day of Intel ISEF, the citizens of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area were invited to view the event on Public Outreach Day.

 

[Public Outreach Day started with] an introductory video which embodied the essence of Intel ISEF and offered a preview of events to come.  The students were then led to an Expo involving countless technology firms and colleges which offered information on careers and services. As groups of eager middle and high school students perused the countless information booths, the two finalists, Jan-Alfred Aquino and Mervy Michael, were preparing their stations for the wave of students and visitors expected to crash upon the shores of the more than1200 exhibits. As the student observers led their groups with element themed flags, the students all entered the exhibition hall. Questions were asked about each project as they garnered interest and inspired a new group of students to explore careers and interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. After a mock forensics lab was explored and analyzed by the students, they left the convention center with a new perspective on the importance of scientific exploration and progress.

 

Once we completed our duties, the student observers and finalists met to witness the Special Awards Ceremony, where finalists have the opportunity to win countless scholarship and travel opportunities.  With over seventy major organizations offering awards, the ceremony lasted late into the evening. However, finalist Mervy Michael, of Union City High School, was the recipient of the first place United States Air Force Award. For this honor, she received a medal, plaque, and a $3000 award. Once again Hudson County has left its mark on the Intel ISEF; the Final Awards Ceremony, on May 18, will conclude the Intel ISEF experience. Although today was a long and tiring day, it was a fulfilling experience which gave us all an opportunity to spread our passions for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among the people of the great city of Pittsburgh.

 

Note: Mervy Michael also won a Fourth Award of $500 in the Environmental Sciences category.

 

 

Drexel University Provides Scholarships at Intel ISEF for 16th Consecutive Year

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has provided eight full scholarships at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) for the past 16 years. Scholarships are renewable for up to 5 years pending maintenance of a 3.0 GPA and full-time status. Each scholarship is valued at $150,000. In 2011, six of the eight awardees applied for admission at Drexel.

 

Answers provided by Henry Disston
President and Director, Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.

 

Can you tell us about your organization and why scientific research is important to it?
Drexel University is recognized for its focus on experiential learning through co-operative education, its commitment to cutting-edge academic technology, and its growing enterprise of use-inspired research. The Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University is America’s oldest natural history museum and a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research.

 

Drexel has been offering full scholarships at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) since 1996, because we believe these research oriented students would be a perfect fit for Drexel’s undergraduate student body.

 

Why do you think it’s important for students to participate in events such as the Intel ISEF?
It is important for students to participate in events like this because programs like local science fairs and the Intel ISEF encourage students to think and solve problems.  Unfortunately, there is too much emphasis on testing. Today’s students are focused on memorizing content and are missing out on the joys of research and discovery.  It is unfortunate that young people are not encouraged to do research, because it is today’s student research that will lead to future innovations.

 

What impact do you think you, as an organization that provides awards, have on students interested in scientific research?
By providing awards and recognition, we hope that we can encourage students to continue with STEM education and show them the exciting opportunities available to them.

 

What are the elements of a good science fair project?
A good project is one that can foster further research. Drexel focuses on all areas of STEM education. This year, Drexel, in conjunction with the Academy of Natural Sciences, has initiated a new Department of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES). The philosophy of the department is “Experiential Learning Early and Often.” This is the area that Drexel focused on in awarding scholarships at Intel ISEF 2012.

 

Most Recent Winners: 
Winners of full scholarships to Drexel University in 2012 were Holly Flann from North Logan, Utah for “Investigation Rhacodactylus gecko Adhesion Using Computer Image Analysis,” Vincent O’Leary from Wheeling, West Virginia for “We Come in Peace! Orconectes rusticus Displays Minimally Aggressive Behaviors When Competing with Appalachian Crayfish in Mesocosms,” Nicolena Stiles from Roanoke, Virginia for “The Ability of Trained Bees to Detect Volatile Substances,” Gina Biddick from Lafayette, Louisiana for  “Non-Point vs. Point-Source Pollution: Water Quality Assessment of the Vermilion River with Various Climate Conditions,” Aimee Turner from Louisville, Kentucky for “Record Flood Impacts on Biodiversity in Upper Green River, Kentucky,” Christopher Wan from West Palm Beach, Florida for “Modeling Salinity to Evaluate Saltwater Intrusion: A Case Study of the Loxahatchee River,”  Conrado Asenjo from San Juan, Puerto Rico for “Electrical Conductivity as a Simple Cost-Effective Indicator of Heavy Metal Water Pollution,” and Michelle Chin from Melbourne, Florida for  “Phytoremediation: A Comparative Study of Selenium Metabolism in Conjunction with ATP Sulfurylase Activity in Organic and Transgenic Crops Year III.”

 

Do you have any advice for young students interested in pursuing science?
The only advice I can offer to students is to pursue STEM education.  I tell them that doors will open that they never knew existed. For organizations, supporting Intel ISEF is an investment in the future.  This county needs a science literate workforce and your support will enable this county to compete globally through innovation.

SSP Fellow's First Time Attending Intel ISEF

Sydney Bergman, 2010 SSP Fellow and biology teacher at School Without Walls in Washington, DC describes her experience as a first-time attendee of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held May 13-18, 2012.

 

My first time attending the Intel ISEF was overwhelming and exciting - I knew that there were going to be a lot of people, but it didn't really sink in until we were there. It's a lot of people - finalists, student observers, teachers, fair coordinators, parents, sponsors, speakers, etc. It was exciting to see so many people who were excited about science!

 

What stuck out for me the most about the experience was how much the finalists were treated like rock stars. The message, which wasn't explicitly stated, but was heavily implied, is that science is profitable, cool, and communication-driven. I really liked the ceremonies surrounding large events, such as the Excellence in Science and Technology Panel (with Nobel laureates) and the opening ceremony. It made my students feel honored. I had two students from my research class who were finalists, one competing in Animal Sciences, and the other in Environmental Management. They had an absolute blast!

 

I would tell other first-time attendees of Intel ISEF to wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks/water! Being aware of the size of the convention center that Intel ISEF is in, and taking into account how long the days are is important. Also, it seems silly, but scheduling lots of time to go around the project floor and talk to students was really wonderful. I got to hear about projects from all over the world, and talk to students doing some amazing research. Doing that several times over the course of the week was helpful - trying to do it all in one go would be exhausting.

 

I definitely came back from Intel ISEF inspired! I loved the elegance of some of the projects. Many had neat concepts that had been really thoughtfully executed, some without heavy use of fancy lab equipment or research institutions. That for me was the inspiration - how much science can be done without fancy 'toys.' I love my lab equipment (much of which my grant from SSP has paid for!), but I also loved seeing what students were able to do with a range of supplies available.

Student Observers Blog About Experience at Intel ISEF 2012 (Part 2)

Students from Hudson County, New Jersey, attending the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2012) with SSP 2010 Fellow Marie Aloia, wrote daily blog posts for their hometown newspaper about their experience. Below are excerpts from these student blogs (Part 2 of a 3-part blog series).

 

Day 3
By Bishoy Hanna and John Mankarious

 

Today was the most interesting day yet on this trip. The sun finally came out.  After breakfast in the morning, the entire group got together and decided to walk down to the Convention Center. For the first time, we really got to tour through Pittsburgh.

 

After the magical walk through the wonderful city of Pittsburgh, we went to the Panel of Excellence at the Convention Center.  There we met Nobel Prize winners from the different fields of Chemistry, Physics and Medicine.  They answered the questions we asked by telling about their biographies, their failures, successes, and inspirations. Some of the questions were pre-picked to save some time, but then they gave students a chance to ask any questions they had in mind. After they finished the interview, they gave the students the chance to get their autographs and to talk to them about anything, whether it be help with a project or an idea.  Due to the huge crowd of students, we were only able to meet one scientist,  Dr. Carl Wieman.  As a fan of his works, I asked some questions concerning his discoveries and he was more than happy to answer them. Talking to these Nobel Prize winners really makes you believe that anything is possible. Most of them had humble beginnings but they continued to work hard to get to where they are today.

 

After resting for a bit, Intel ISEF had a surprise for all the students. We were all brought together for a Student Club night where students got to mingle together and to enjoy each others company. They had amazing music playing all night as well as food for everyone. Everyone had an amazing time. It took the edge off for most people and it helped people talk to each other and get to know each other better. The finalists got a chance to relax and kick back to enjoy themselves a bit. Honestly, this whole experience just keeps getting better and better. The trip is so well planned that we barely have any free time but yet you don’t feel bored or uninterested at all. Definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Student Observers Blog About Experience at Intel ISEF 2012 (Part 1)

Students from Hudson County, New Jersey, attending the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2012) with SSP 2010 Fellow Marie Aloia, wrote daily blog posts for their hometown newspaper about their experience. Below are excerpts from these student blogs (Part 1 of a 3-part blog series).

 

Day 1
By Shivangi Parmar and Christopher Kennedy

 

The Hudson County Science Fair Troop, including observers Tasfia, Crystal, Olivia, Bishoy, John, [Shivangi, and Chris], our teacher Ms. Aloia, and finalist Jan-Alfred, and Union City’s Mrs. Makar and finalist Mervy explored Pittsburgh to have a nice, refreshing breakfast. All around the downtown we met new people, who turned out to be statues, who were part of an art exhibit called the Sculpture Foundation.

 

The Pin Exchange at the Westin Hotel in the evening was a monumental, amazing, once in a lifetime experience.  Science united the world, and we all met in an evening of friendship.  Some people wore their national costumes. Many of the seniors wore their college shirts as an icebreaker.  Chris met four future friends from Florida Tech.  We met students from our birth countries- Egypt, India, and the Philippines, and we’re still looking for students from Ireland and Bangladesh.  

 

Day 2
By Jan-Alfred Aquino and Olivia Shaker

 

Today, the group of observers, finalists, and teachers representing the Hudson County Science Fair experienced new activities in Pittsburgh at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Today’s main activities included Symposia and the opening ceremony.

 

The Symposia are a series of lectures or seminars which address students on several scientific topics. For example, today many students attended the “Talking Science” symposium by Jack Franchetti, where they learned guiding principles and techniques to convey their thoughts in interviews, particularly in science. The symposium was very informative about public speaking, which is also beneficial to the finalists’ presentations on Wednesday.

 

Several students also attended the “Transitioning to College” Symposium, where they learned about the merging of arts and sciences in college. The symposium was particularly popular with the seniors heading off to college in the fall.

 

Mervy and Jan-Alfred also attended the “Judging at the Intel ISEF” symposium. The symposium allowed the two finalists to understand the judging process and taught them how to prepare for Wednesday’s judging.

 

The main event of the day was the opening ceremony. The show included an intermingling between students, an amazing instrumentation of some weird pipe-looking thing, and a keynote address by Ben Gulak, a former Intel ISEF Finalist who used his talents to pursue his dream and become an inventor worth millions of dollars.

Nobel Prize Winners Answer Finalists’ Questions at Intel ISEF 2012

Eight Nobel Laureates (J. Michael Bishop, Martin Chalfie, Dudley Herschbach, H. Robert Horvitz, John Mather, Douglas Osheroff, Carl Wieman, and Ada Yonath) participated in a panel discussion at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2012 (Intel ISEF) this past Tuesday moderated by Joe Palca, NPR Science Correspondent. This is the first year that Intel ISEF has had a female Nobel Laureate participate in this panel.

 

The Laureates began by giving a 60-second description of the research for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize and then responded to pre-selected questions from student finalists in the audience. Many of the panelists had not been pursuing similar subjects in high school. In fact, ­Bishop said he was pursuing “A’s, a letter in track, and girls.” The panel was split on whether or not they had participated in science fairs as a student. Some had, although relatively unsuccessfully, however many had experimented on their own in back yards or garages. Osheroff described how he frequently created things that were “almost lethal.”

 

When asked how they dealt with failure, Yonath responded, “Big problems lead to great innovation and thinking.” Horvitz told a story about a colleague at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory going through multiple refrigerators and tossing out rack after rack of test tubes representing several years of research. When asked why he was in such a good mood, he responded “I have a new idea.”

 

One student asked what one piece of evidence the panelists would most want to have available. Mather wanted evidence of what dark energy and dark matter in space is; Bishop wanted a full inventory of the genetics and genetic mutations related to cancer; and Herschbach wanted quantum computers. The panelists also encouraged students not to feel pressured to pursue intense specialization, because many traditional boundaries are artificial, and research frequently spans and applies to more than one area.

 

When asked the best advice they had for aspiring scientists, especially female scientists, Yonath responded that “science is gender-neutral. There is no justification for discouraging women from science. It is possible to have a career and family. Most importantly, you have to have creativity and passion.” Horvitz agreed and added that you should find supportive mentors for the hard times, not be afraid of change, and “don’t listen to advice- do what you want and how you want it.” Osheroff urged finalists to “understand your motivations and fascinations” and Mather wanted finalists to focus on “reading, writing, and talking- your connection to humanity.”

 

After the panel discussion, students had the opportunity to meet the Nobelists individually, get autographs, photos, and ask questions. Check out the article about the Excellence in Science and Technology panel on Science News for more information.

Exploring Energy Innovation at the Intel ISEF 2012

Student finalists and attendees of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2012 have the opportunity to attend a variety of symposiums during their week in Pittsburgh. This morning, representatives from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development led a session on energy and innovative design occurring in Pittsburgh.

 

The session began with a series of fun facts about Pittsburgh. Did you know Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice, Italy? There are 446 bridges in the city limits, and 1900 in the county. Pittsburgh has also been the setting for several popular movies, including “The Dark Knight Rises” and background scenes for the recently released “Avengers,” and was the place both Bingo and the smiley emoticon were created. But perhaps most famously, Pittsburgh is known as a home of industry and energy. Multiple companies in Pittsburgh focus on the energy sector- whether coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable energy. Recently, Pittsburgh has also become known as a leader in the green building movement.

 

Molly Steinwald from the Phipps Conservatory described the recent “greening” of the conservatory’s buildings as well as the construction of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which will meet the “Living Building Challenge,” a step beyond LEED certification. Features of the renovation include building the Welcome Center partially underground to assist with temperature control and meet historic preservation standards (the Conservatory was initially founded in 1893), creating a multi-use permeable paving lot covered with grass, a heat condensation system under the sidewalks to assist with melting snow, automatic weather monitoring and root zone heating systems in the greenhouses, and more.

 

In addition to the Conservatory, the Tower at PNC Plaza is a 40-story skyscraper currently under construction, which is expected to be the most sustainable skyscraper in the U.S. when completed in 2015. Travis Mitchell from PNC Bank discussed the anticipated Platinum LEED certification achieved through sustainability strategies such as creating a double facade, orienting the building to catch sunlight, an open airflow plan with automatic window and door controls, and drawing on an underground source of water to assist with cooling the building.

 

Eighty-three projects were entered into the Energy and Transportation category at this year’s Intel ISEF. Find out a full listing of the finalists in the online Intel ISEF 2012 program.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Highlighted at Intel ISEF 2012

This morning, the Intel Foundation sponsored a symposium for attendees of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2012 which allowed finalists to ask questions of professionals who have been actively involved in developing products and starting or funding companies.

 

Competing student finalists and attendees of Intel ISEF 2012 had the opportunity to interact with professionals who have started or funded companies and predict upcoming technological trends. Wendy Hawkins, Executive Director of the Intel Foundation; Director of Philanthropy, Intel Corporation; kicked things off by focusing on the value of entrepreneurship. She introduced panel participants who included: Cindy Fotz, Director of Patents, Intel Corporation; Benjamin Gulak, CEO & Chairman of BPG-Werks and Intel ISEF alumnus; Lila Ibrahim, Investment Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Brian David Johnson, Futurist, Intel Corporation; and Andre Marquis, Executive Director, Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UC-Berkeley.

 

Brian Johnson advised finalists to learn from their mistakes and follow their passions, not to follow what they thought might be the most successful path, as success is hard to predict.  Lila Ibrahim discussed the importance of being able to pivot from one track to another when audience reaction or testing suggests a new avenue to approach a problem. Ben Gulak advised, "it's not just about getting the money to build a company; it's about getting the right money from investors you can work with who give you the room to experiment and be creative" and likened the process of wooing investors to that of dating!

 

Cindy Fotz advised getting a patent early in the process, but only once you have determined a real need for one as the process is laborious and expensive. Andre Marquis added, "don't tell everyone the secret to the sauce right away- you need to learn how to talk business without providing confidential information. Otherwise, you can have a fantastic product that people love, but still not make any money.”

 

Approximately 25% of this year's Intel ISEF finalists have begun the process or intend to apply for a patent related to their research. The symposium consisted of a group question and answer period, followed by speed mentoring, where finalists were each given three minutes to ask individual questions of the panel participant of their choice.

 

Topics covered during the presentation included:

•         How do I know my idea and/or product will be successful?

•         What happens if my idea fails?

•         When should I apply for a patent? How do I know what kind of patent I need?

•         How has funding via crowdsourcing affected the venture capital industry and the availability of funding for new ideas?

•         How should you pick investors and or co-founders/co-workers?

•         How can you get an education in business at the same time as you are obtaining a degree or training in a technical field?

•         What is the best way to come up with novel ideas? Where do you draw inspiration from?

 

The Innovator to Entrepreneur symposium is just one of many opportunities to interact with innovators, doctoral level scientists, and other professionals available to attendees at Intel ISEF 2012.

Finalists Arrive to Pittsburgh for Intel ISEF 2012

Students from all over the world are arriving in Pittsburgh to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2012, the world’s largest high school science research competition.  This year’s 1,549 finalists earned the trip to Intel ISEF through their hard work and innovative research on projects in 17 categories, ranging from Mechanical Engineering to Plant Sciences to Physics and Astronomy.

 

This year’s finalists come from affiliate fairs in 68 countries, regions, and territories. Countries with students participating for the first time include Azerbaijan, Finland, Northern Mariana Islands, Poland, Spain, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, and Kuwait.  In addition to the opportunity to compete for more than $3 million in awards and scholarships, including the Gordon E. Moore Award, a top prize of $75,000, the finalists have the unique chance to meet and discuss science with hundreds of young innovators from around the globe.

 

Follow the action at the 2012 Intel ISEF through social media- join the Society for Science & the Public Facebook group or follow us on Twitter @societyforscience.