Access the Future
The ASTC 2002 Annual Conference featured more than 130 sessions and workshops,
two keynote speakers, pre- and post-conference educational activities
and tours, and much more.
The program explored ways in which all ASTC-member museums are accessing
the future, with particular emphasis on five strands that address issues
of critical importance.
- Teaching and Learning: Still Our Main Mission? addresses learning theory and practice, science education reform, constructivism/positivism, cognitive science, marketing and mission, and educational issues related to families, youth, equity and diversity.
- Survival in Tough Times explores leadership development, systems thinking, relationships with community stakeholders, project management, best practices, and the "science center midlife crisis."
- What's New and Innovative? builds on proven best practices and looks for innovative approaches to professional development, visitor services, and education.
- Where Is the Science in Science Centers? examines the relationship of science and society, exploring ways to integrate new science into the museum, and pondering the similarities and differences among science, the arts, and the humanities.
- Ensuring Equity/ Diversity/ Access focuses on resources that build more inclusive institutions-from staffing and visitor make-up to exhibit development and program offerings. Examples of exemplary print materials, web sites, auxiliary aids, tactile models and maps, and uses of audio description are welcome.
The conference was hosted by Discovery
Place. Located in downtown Charlotte, Discovery Place features
a three-story rain forest, the Kelly Planetarium, and The Charlotte
Observer OMNIMAX Theatre. Twelve other ASTC-member science centers
and museums are located in the state of North Carolina, and pre-conference
trips provided opportunities to visit several of them.
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