IN THIS ISSUE
November/December 2011

At the 6th Science Centre World Congress in September, science center and museum leaders from 56 countries resolved through the Cape Town Declaration to promote awareness of the value of Indigenous knowledge. In this issue, we examine how science centers and traditional and Indigenous communities are exploring commonalities and differences between traditional knowledge and Western science, building mutually respectful partnerships, and creating content that resonates with and empowers diverse communities. By championing science literacy while embracing differing worldviews, they are working toward a vision of science centers and museums as places where all voices can be heard.

Contents

• Shifting Paradigms: Embracing Multiple Worldviews in Science Centers, by Laura Huerta Migus
• Collaborating with Integrity: Reflections from Cosmic Serpent, by Nancy C. Maryboy, David Begay, Laura Peticolas, Jill Stein, and Shelly Valdez
• Many Voices, One Exhibition, by Anton van Helden
• Using Known Villains to Introduce Unknown Heroes, by Ramdas Iyer
• Can Indigenous Knowledge Help Communicate Science? by Mdumiseni Nxumalo
• Promoting an Understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine, by Hongzhou Wu
• Native Science Field Centers: Integrating Traditional Knowledge, Native Language, and Science, by Helen Augare and Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer

Download the full issue.

Subscribe/order back issues

By Laura Huerta Migus
From Dimensions
November/December 2011

Science centers and museums fill a unique community role as centers of learning, research, entertainment, and community congregation. Beyond teaching scientific concepts, the underlying motivation for all science center activities is promoting the value of science and scientific thinking to the general public. Science centers and museums face a number of challenges in fulfilling this mission, not the least of which is working to achieve this goal across cultures and worldviews.
(more…)

By Ramdas Iyer
From Dimensions
November/December 2011

In India, immunization against infectious diseases has been practiced, knowingly or unknowingly, for at least 4,000 years. Every village in ancient India had a temple to a certain goddess—for example, in southern India, the temple was to Mariamma, the epidemic goddess, while in northern India, the temple was to Sheetla Devi, the cool goddess who counteracted the wrath of hot-headed gods believed to cause smallpox. The temple was usually outside the village limits, possibly to limit infection, and was open air, exposing it to the harsh sun and rains.
(more…)

In September, I was privileged to be among the more than 400 delegates from 56 countries who attended the 6th Science Centre World Congress (6SCWC) in Cape Town, South Africa. I want to express ASTC’s appreciation to all who organized and participated in this inspiring and highly enjoyable event. It was a learning experience for all, producing a Cape Town Declaration that commits our field to addressing global challenges through science learning.
(more…)

Interviewed by Joelle Seligson

This interview appeared in the November/December 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

The director of the Blackfeet Native Science Field Center on traditional knowledge, Western science, and understanding our place in the world

In high school, she took an interest in science; at the University of Montana, she pursued business. Today, Helen Augare utilizes her modern studies while staying true to her roots. As director of the Blackfeet Native Science Field Center in Browning, Montana, she helps youth learn both Western science and traditional knowledge while connecting to the natural world. As a Native American, she emphasizes respecting the land and beings around us, recognizing that—even as we continue to pursue knowledge—humans can’t control everything.

Read the full transcript, or listen to the podcast.

Image courtesy the Blackfeet Native Science Field Center