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Forget about the Power Point, we bring science to you!

^{Mary Arber and MY Camper Nkosikhona Bulana in a bit more formal event, The Millennium Prize Ceremony. Photo: Veli-Matti Vesterinen.}

“Imagination is the key to science, therefore science should be taught from earlier age on”, said 15-year-old Wenlei Dai, one of the MY Campers. Mary Arber, the director of Café Sci from England, had come to follow the Millennium Youth Camp, and tell the Campers about the Café Sci.

“I wanted to observe, meet and talk with these exceptional young people, find out what they think about science, school, study, the future, everything! I also wanted to introduce the concept of Cafe Sci to them, hear their ideas about the model, how they would improve it,” Arber said after the camp.

Café Sci offers the young people a unique opportunity to meet working scientists in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and together explore contemporary issues in science and technology.

“I think that the Café Sci can complement more traditional teaching methods. It allows students and teachers to consider science in a more humanistic way than is usual in school. I think this enhances the learning and better integrates it into the student’s life,” Arber says.

In practise the Café Sci offers events where a visiting scientist gives a brief talk about their field of expertise, and after that there is a discussion between the professional and the students. The aim is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, to demystify science.

“I find students usually engage best when the learning starts with where and who they are, their concerns and values. Learners also respond well to teachers who are passionate about their subject and convey that passion and enthusiasm to the students,” Arber says.

At the same time Café Sci is about giving control to the students. The students can choose the content and the context of Café Sci sessions. Arber gives an example of how hard science can be used to define quite a philosophical question. “The science of love. Can it be measured?” The setting of the question is something very unlike to a traditional lecture.

With some joint effort, Café Sci can be easily arranged. “The cost of biscuits and the good will of scientists,” as Arber puts it. She was surprised by how enthusiastic the MY Camper’s were about the concept.

“I was really pleased when Adina told me she plans to set up a Café Sci when she gets back to Romania. I’m looking forward to hearing how she gets on,” Arber says.

Read more about Café Sci in the UK

Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.