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Planning to attend the AAAS meeting in San Diego, February 18-22?  There are a number of sessions of interest to those in the informal science education community. Here's news of one, sent by Tom Zinnen of the University of Wisconsin:

"Public Engagement with Scientists: Ways to Listen to and Work with Lifelong Learners," Thursday, February 18, 3:00-4:30 pm, organized by Tiffany Lohwater of the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and David Nelson, Department of Biochemistry and Center for Biology Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. The session will welcome those from scientific associations, universities, museums, and others in an exploration of "ways to further develop the talents of scientists in engaging with learners of all ages. The focus is on ways scientists can talk with, listen to, and explore together with diverse participants in a variety of settings." Presenters include John Durant, director, MIT Museum; Dennis Schatz, vice-president, Pacific Science Center; Walter Staveloz, director of international relations, Association of Science-Technology Centers; and David Nelson, director, UW-Madison Center for Biology Education. There will also be a presentation on the National Lab Day initiative and the implications of President Obama's call for all 200,000 scientists and engineers working in federal agencies to participate in National Lab Day. For more information, contact Tom Zinnen at zinnen@biotech.wisc.edu.