Robert Bruce Thompson mentioned Café Scientifique this morning on his web site. The idea of a monthly open gathering to hear topical discussions on science and technology has been in rattling in the back of my head for about a year. Mostly I would say to myself, “wouldn’t it be cool if there were some regular meeting of science-minded individuals that could talk about all things science?” But then I would be immediately sidetracked on to other things like work and family and so on.

However, I have plans for a science club. The club aspect is taking longer to organize than I wish. (It’s that work and family stuff...) But having ideas for activities is part of the plan. My initial goal for a science club is tutoring through experimentation and getting the point of the scientific method. I have additional goals of fostering science in the community through, for example, demonstrations at science fairs. But what better way to foster science than to encourage our young future scientists to engage in open discussions with people who do real science?

Better yet, a long term goal would be to have a science club organize and sponsor its own Café Scientifique. I am not sure I can take it on myself at this time, but that is what a club is often for; collectively doing what cannot be done individually toward a goal or activity.

For now there are two regular Café events in Seattle. See Science on Tap. Maybe there will someday be a Snoqualmie Science Café.