Science centres inspire scientific literacy and diversity in STEM

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I am in conversation with Frederic Bertley – who is president and CEO of COSI (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus, Ohio. Bertley explains how science centres like COSI can boost scientific literacy and talks about the Color of Science initiative, which he founded to highlight and promote diversity in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Bertley also talks about his life-long love of ice hockey and how sports can be used to get people interested in science. Indeed, he explains in detail the physics of baseball pitches and the hockey slapshot.

He also talks about how COSI is encouraging Ohioans to observe and understand the total eclipse of the Sun, which will occur in a significant portion of the state on 8 April. He explains how COSI will engage with the public in venues as diverse as libraries and bars to share the science surrounding the eclipse.