Origins Project gears up for weekend of science stories, activities


The Origins Project at Arizona State University is hosting a weekend celebration of creativity, science and the stories of science featuring the world’s foremost scientists and artists on March 29 and 30.

The series of exciting events making up the Origins Stories weekend include a live broadcast of NPR’s Science Friday; a panel discussion and test screening of a new feature movie documentary; and a panel discussion on the stories of science and the science of storytelling.

“I’m very excited that Origins can once again bring an exciting weekend of science and culture to Tempe,” said Lawrence Krauss, project director of Origins. “With a new film, exciting interactive panel discussions, and world-renown storytellers who will use a variety of media to convey their messages about science and reality, we hope to help the public learn more about and further enjoy the amazing universe we live in.

"It is through stories of origins, both scientific and cultural, that we can most effectively celebrate the tremendous impact that science and reason can have in improving our everyday lives.”

The Origins Stories weekend activities are:

National Public Radio’s Science Friday, 11 a.m., March 29, Eight, Arizona PBS studio A, ASU Downtown Campus (555 North Central Avenue, Suite 500, Phoenix). NPR's Science Friday will broadcast its show live from ASU. Hosted by Ira Flatow, Science Friday focuses on timely science topics and brings a balanced, well-educated discussion to bear on the topics at hand. This event is free and open to the public, but there is limited seating. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5564738282#.

Science, Myth, Reality: The Unbelievers, 7 p.m., March 29, Gammage Auditorium ASU Tempe campus (1200 South Forest Avenue, Tempe). Panel discussion and test screening. Join evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, author Ian McEwan and theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, as well as other possible surprise guests, as they discuss the importance of reason-based inquiry and the process of filmmaking.

The discussion will focus on a test screening of the new feature film documentary “The Unbelievers,” starring Dawkins and Krauss, with additional contributions from noted actors, filmmakers and writers. This is a ticketed event, with prices ranging from $16 to $26 and two night ticket packages from $26 to $42.

The Science of Storytelling and the Storytelling of Science, 7 p.m., March 30, Gammage Auditorium, ASU Tempe campus (1200 South Forest Avenue, Tempe). This event will feature a panel of esteemed scientists, public intellectuals and awarding-winning writers and performers talking about the stories that make science so fascinating and relevant.

Panelists include theoretical physicist Brian Greene; astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson; Science Friday’s Ira Flatow; Bill Nye, the Science Guy; popular science fiction author Neal Stephenson; executive director of the World Science Festival Tracy Day; and moderator Lawrence Krauss. Actor/musician Tim Minchin is tentatively scheduled to participate as well. This is a ticketed event with prices ranging from $16 to $26 and two-night ticket packages from $26 to $42.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday evening events are available online through Tickemaster.com and at the ASU Gammage Box Office, 480-965-3434. Discounted student tickets are available with a student ID at the Gammage Box Office.

For more information on Origins Stories weekend, please go to www.origins.asu.edu, or call 480-965-0053.