Making Science into Friday Night Entertainment

GMU Science Slam, a George Mason University student organization, has planned a new style of social gathering designed to encourage better science communication. The events, dubbed Mason Science Slam after the international competitions of the same name, are planned for several times a year. The next event will be held from 7:00 - 9:00pm on April 3rd, at the Global Center (formerly the Mason Inn) on George Mason’s Fairfax campus.

Student researchers from Mason’s College of Science must battle with wit as well as academic prowess in order to make their research understandable and engage the lay-audience. They must expect that the audience is not familiar with their topic, so they should rid their presentation of scientific jargon.

“[The event provides] an environment for people within the College of Science, from different departments to interact [and] improve science communication,” said Science Slam Treasurer Dana McCoskey.

Mason Science Slam is a competition series where slammers (the competitors) in the preliminary rounds are eligible to win $500 for taking first place and $150 each for second and third. This year the top three in each round are eligible to compete in the Grand Slam for a chance to win an additional $2000.

Science Slams, modeled after poetry slams, are an international phenomenon which gained popularity in Germany in the mid 2000s. While the style has gained international recognition, it is just finding a place in the United States where there have been less than a handful of similar events.

The Mason Science Slam competition events are free and open to the public. The greater Fairfax community is invited to come and participate in the competition judging. Food will be provided. Reserve your seats via the organization’s website at http://cos.gmu.edu/scienceslam/tickets.

Read more via Fourth Estate, George Mason University’s student news outlet.