Inclusion, Disabilities, and Informal Science Learning, a report by the CAISE Access Inquiry Group, sets forth a framework for changing this inequity. This white paper offers a theoretical framework for thinking about inclusion of people with disabilities in informal science education (ISE), then reviews current practice in museums (broadly defined), in media and technology, and in youth and community programs. While "investigations located a number of projects, initiatives, and organizations that have sought greater inclusion of people with disabilities in ISE," the report concludes, "these
The goal of the CAISE Policy Study Inquiry Group (PSIG) was to inventory and comment on policies which affect the capacity of informal science education to have an impact. The issues discussed in this white paper are intended to spark conversation and awaken us to the policy contexts around us.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE)Lisa Craig BrissonAlan FriedmanSaskia TraillArthur EisenkraftIra FlatowJeffrey KirschMaritza MacdonaldEric MarshallEllen McCallieTrevor NesbitRebecca Nesbit ProsinoCharles PetitJerry SchubelDan WhartonSteven WilliamsJoe Witte
This evaluation instrument was developed for Exploring Physics, an extra curricular program for 5-7 grade students, with a focus on female students. It is part of an NSF funded program entitled Promoting Young Women in the Physical Sciences.
This 20-page PDF booklet provides an introduction to informal science education and to science museum practice for nano and materials science researchers. It advises researchers on ways to collaborate with science museums to increase the impact of their education outreach activities, and includes a rich bibliography.
In this article, Wendy Pollock, ASTC's Director of Research, Publications, and Exhibitions, and J. Shipley Newlin, Program Director for Physical Sciences at the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM), discuss "Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life," an exhibit produced by a partnership between ASTC, SMM, and the Music Research Institute at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The unique design approach incorporated sound experiences for a wider range of users, including visitors who are blind or have low vision, as well as created an overall sound environment that was meaningful and
This article questions the way museums define leadership within their institutions. Authors Julie I. Johnson and Randy C. Roberts propose new ways of thinking about how leaders and followers across the institution take and support initiative. According to the authors, investment in museum leadership is in effect an investment in museums as leaders in their communities.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Julie I. JohnsonRandy C. RobertsKatie McCarthy
This article describes the goals and methodology of the Field Museum in Chicago's Calumet Environmental Education Program (CEEP) in the Calumet region of southeast Chicago. The program engages students grades 4-12 in science by letting them apply what they have learned to real-life community conservation issues. Evaluation highlights and lessons learned are also included.
This article explores the particular challenges and opportunities for science centers in working on a relationship between the Western science paradigm and traditional knowledge systems. Included are key principles to keep in mind when promoting science, while still respecting traditional cultural values and individuals' cultural identities.
In this article, Katherine I. Goodall, Director for Institutional Advancement at ASTC, describes the challenges and opportunities science centers face in these difficult economic times. This article provides a high-level overview of the complex subject of financial viability, and includes descriptions of private and public funding trends, earned income, increasing value for visitors, and key lessons learned.
This article summarizes key findings of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)'s research report, "Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" (2010). The report profiles research that demonstrates how social and environmental factors—including stereotypes, cultural beliefs, and implicit bias—act as barriers to girls’ and women’s full participation in these fields. This article provides a brief explanation of their findings and recommends what science centers and museums can do to promote girls' participation in science and math. The full report is
In this article, Joan Krevlin, Partner at BKSK Architects, discusses the "Preschool Playground" exhibition at the New York Hall of Science, where children discover the environment and learn principles of science through sensory exploration. Krevlin outlines the background, planning process, and design of the unique exhibit.
This is one of three focus point presentations delivered on day one of the Citizen Science Toolkit Conference (at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York on June 20-23, 2007) as part of the opening session titled “Citizen Science Challenges and Opportunities.” Prysby discusses biodiversity inventories and the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Prysby uses this case study to illustrate one form of citizen science collaboration as well as how environmental education centers and nature centers can be key partners for citizen science efforts.