A Successful Merging of Scientific Research and Public Participation

by Thomas H. Wakeman, III, San Francisco Bay-Delta Model, Sausalito, CA, USA,
Daphne L. Derven, San Francisco Bay-Delta Model, Sausalito, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

This paper describes the on-going programs at the US Army Corps of Engineers' San Francisco Bay-Delta Model and Visitor Center that aim to broaden the general public's understanding and appreciation of science and scientific research. The Visitor Center offers the public, and more specifically school children, the opportunity to expand their knowledge of scientific research by providing access and descriptions of science in-action at an operating hydraulics laboratory. Ideas such as the experimental method, modeling and testing programs, are introduced in a simple and basic fashion to help provide familarity with scientific vocabulary and methodologies. Furthermore the public is able to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the geographical and hydraulic mechanisms affecting the region of San Francisco Bay including landforms, tidal influences and freshwater inflows into the estuary by viewing the Model.

Subject Headings: Hydraulic models | Water resources | United States Army Corps of Engineers | Tides | Public opinion and participation | Estuaries | Education | United States | California

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