Improving public awareness of science
by means of participative internet projects
In Holland and Belgium a so called 'Big Flu Measurement' takes place
from November 1, 2003 to April 1, 2004. This participative internet
project is meant for primary education, high schools and the general
audience. It is highly succesfull. At present it is being investigated
if it can be repeated during the next flu season and also wether it
could be launched in other European countries.
The Big Flu Measurement derives its success to a large part from
enthousiastic cooperation by Dutch mathematicians. A foundation was
created to initiate more of these internet projects. For 2004 a project
to study trafic safety is being studied. In June 2004 a Venus Transit
takes place. In cooperation with the European Southern Observatory a
public measurement will performed to derive a value for the
Astronomical Unit (distance of the Earth to the Sun). A third internet
project involves the grow season of children. Again mathematicians are
welcomed to contribute to these projects. They are a rare opportunity
to popularise mathematics for all age groups and all levels of
understanding!