About
Illinois Science Council ("ISC") is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that engages, educates, and entertains the ADULT public about science and technology in our everyday lives. ISC serves as the adult complement to K-12 STEM outreach programs and we do it with a fun, non-stuffy approach through: author talks; film screenings; topical talks; tours; hands-on chemistry (Chemistry of... beer, whiskey, chocolate, coffee, etc.); a Pi Day Pi K 3.14 mile fun run on March 14; and, the Chicago Science Festival in May.
Our work is inspired by this Carl Sagan quote: "We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology." At ISC, we refuse to make people feel "illiterate" by focusing on what's been forgotten since school (or never learned in the first place). Instead, we feed the inexhaustible human sense of curiosity using a fun, non-stuffy approach. In that way we are motivated by this Sagan quote: "The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous."
Understanding the scientific method and scientific discoveries are crucial to a well-rounded civic life. Science and technology enhance our appreciation of ourselves and of the world around us, but once beyond school, opportunities to explore scientific ideas with actual practitioners are rare. We showcase the scientists and research of those Chicago-area institutions and companies that make Chicago our nation's true "City of Science."
Well address all areas of science - from astronomy to zoology and everything in between. Programs are open to the public, offered free or at low cost and done in casual settings when possible to allow people to interact with scientists and learn about work that is interesting, important and worthy of support. For more information contact Monica at mmetzler@IllinoisScience.org.
