January: The Process and Nature of Science February: Evolution March: Physics and Technology April: Energy Resources May: Sustainability and the Environment June: Ocean and Water July: Astronomy August: Weather and Climate September: Biodiversity and Conservation October: Geosciences and Planet Earth November: Chemistry December: Science and Health Year of Science 2009 home page
How to Celebrate

Celebration Of "How We Know What We Know"

Welcome to the celebration of 2009 as the Year of Science, a national year-long celebration of science to engage the public in science and improve public understanding about how science works, why it matters, and who scientists are.

Before you begin, we recommend that you register your organization as a member of the COPUS Network.  By registering, your organization becomes a part of the communication and collaboration network locally and nationally and your activities will be highlighted!

Explore

Browse the public understanding of science program and resources directory to or the Year of Science event directory to discover innovative programs of your peers.

In 2009, Year of Science participants will be celebrating science and seminal events in science, which include:

  • Darwin Day - This annual international celebration will have added value in 2009 as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th Anniversary of the publication of On the Origins of Species

  • The 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln (whose contributions to science include founding the National Academy of Science, as well as creating the Land grant system of agricultural colleges through signing the Morrill Act, which was very important to the development of applied biological sciences).

  • The 400th anniversary of the publication of Johannes Kepler's first two Laws of Planetary Motion.

  • The 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Burgess Shale by the paleontologist Charles D. Walcott.

  • The 400th anniversary of Galileo's first use of a telescope to study the skies.

  • The 100th anniversary of the establishment of USDA Forest Service Experimental Forest and Ranges, the largest system of dedicated experimental sites in the US.

 

Othe community wide celebrations of science in 2009 include:

 

You can help us to add to this list! Email admin [at] copusproject.org.

 

globe_small.jpg

Explore what others in the world are doing to celebrate Year of Science 2009.

 

Empower

Team up! As you make your plans for celebrating in 2009, collaborate with other Coalition members in your community or start a regional hub:

Engage

Engage in some completely new activity.  Consider hosting a Science Cafe, holding a science photography contest, or rallying your community around a citizen science activity.  There are many more suggestions to help inspire you or you can try a themed approach.

Tips to Consider

Don't do it alone! Find out what else is going on in your area and how you can combine resources to reach a broader audience and provide a richer experience.

Register your programs and events on the Year of Science 2009 Web site so that others can learn about what you are doing! And then explore the COPUS and Year of Science 2009 websites for other ideas.