The Wagner Free Institute of Science, Located at 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121

We often see debates between experts on scientific issues that affect our lives and livelihoods. What can we do when the experts disagree but their decisions have enormous impacts on us? Do we try to influence their debate? Do we trust one side? Do we trust our gut feelings? Hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale has brought up these questions and issues. Join us for a panel discussion with speakers from a number of fields and disciplines who will help us understand the way we access and understand information and help us apply lessons learned from history in our decision-making process.

Moderator:
Babak Ashrafi, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Area Center for History of Science

Panel:
Susan Phillips, Reporter for WHYY and NPR, contributor to State Impact PA
Brook Lenker, Director of Fractracker.org
Sara Wylie, Director of Toxics and Health Research, publiclaboratory.org

The second annual Philadelphia Science Festival, taking place April 20-29, is presented by The Dow Chemical Company to celebrate science and technology. More than 105 institutions, museums and cultural and community centers are planning lectures, debates, hands-on activities and special exhibitions, most of them free. http://www.philasciencefestival.org/