By Sarah Kerton
“Be there and be square.” This is the motto of the internationally renowned event called Nerd Nite. Learning is more fun when you’re hanging with friends and colleagues, thus Nerd Nite has taken off as a regularly scheduled event in more than 90 cities across the globe. Now the local Science North detachment here in Thunder Bay has taken on this one-of-a-kind series to showcase local nerds while helping the people in our community embrace their own inner nerd.
During a typical Nerd Nite there are several 20-minute-ish fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines, while the audience drinks, l
aughs, cries, and shouts along. Often interspersed between these talks are other forms of entertainment, from magic shows to live music, trivia, and other shenanigans. “We want to make learning about science fun and we want to make it accessible to all ages,” says Emily Kerton, senior scientist with Science North. “We have lots of programming for youth and our goal is to hook kids on science when they’re young. But we’re noticing that there are lots of adults who would love to have the opportunity to engage with science in a meaningful way, and Nerd Nite is where we can give them that opportunity.” In one night you can hear nerds muse on topics as disparate as radical heterosexuality to messages from outer space, and you can drink a beer (or two) while you’re at it.
The next Nerd Nite takes place on Thursday, March 24 at 7 pm at Breakwater Taphouse.
Topics include insectivorous plants, and how your brain changes when under the influence of alcohol.
