IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2015 As this issue of Dimensions goes to press, world leaders are preparing to convene at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York City to formally adopt the post-2015 development agenda, committing to 17 ambitious new Sustainable Development Goals. So many of the critical issues facing our planet—from climate change […]
Dimensions, September/October 2015—Addressing Global Issues Read More »
Interviewed by Joelle Seligson This interview appeared in the September/October 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. When neurologist Annick Desjardins first heard about an experimental therapy that uses the polio virus to attack cancer cells, she admittedly thought it was an off-the-wall idea. In the 12 years since then, however, Desjardins—now associate professor of neurology at
Q&A with Annick Desjardins: Using Polio to Kill Cancer Read More »
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the September/October 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. Before my first nonprofit management position (in England), I wish I could have coached my newbie self: learn about spreadsheets, practice daily meditation and stretching, and schedule physical exercise and play time
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the May/June 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. “. . . 3D printing and design can electrify various literacies and creative capacities of children in accordance with the spirit of the interconnected, information-based world.” —V. Kostakis, V. Niaros, and C.
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the March/April 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. The Noyce Leadership Institute (NLI) began in 2008 to help prepare the next generation of leaders for science-intensive museums, with a particular emphasis on gaining the skills and perspectives needed to increase the engagement of
Lessons from the Noyce Leadership Institute Read More »
Interviewed by Joelle Seligson This interview appeared in the March/April 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. From Apple and Intel to San Francisco’s Exploratorium and San Jose’s Tech Museum of Innovation, Ann S. Bowers has witnessed the importance of leadership in all facets of Silicon Valley. She pioneered human resources management in high-growth startups before turning
Our Boards in Action: Ann S. Bowers on the Noyce Leadership Institute Read More »
This is an extended version of a March/April 2015 Dimensions magazine article in which we asked leaders at all levels within science centers and museums what keeps them awake at night. My biggest worry is being repetitive and complacent. When you develop exhibits and activities that are successful, it is easy to soak in
As a leader, what keeps you awake at night? Read More »
This is an extended version of a March/April 2015 Dimensions magazine article in which we asked science center and museum leaders at all levels to send us their best leadership advice. As a relatively new executive director, my style is to spread “passion” to each and every position in the museum. Every person needs
What is your best piece of leadership advice? Read More »
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the March/April 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. In times of crisis, leaders and their institutions often emerge stronger and with new insights about their values, priorities, community relationships, and human and other resources. We asked our science center and museum colleagues from around the
Leadership During Times of Crisis Read More »
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the March/April 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. Denver Zoo recently completed its first crowdfunding initiative for a veterinary device for our giraffes. We feel crowdfunding was a useful tool to market this project and get more than 40 first-time
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the January/February 2015 issue of Dimensions magazine. We asked exhibit developers: What was the biggest challenge you faced in developing your brain exhibit or exhibition, and how did you address it? Here’s what they told us. Our biggest challenge: realizing that it
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the September/October 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. A growing number of science festivals are now taking place across the world every year. In the United States alone, around four dozen new science festival initiatives have emerged in just the past five years. Each science
Science Festivals: Celebrations of Science Around the World Read More »
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the May/June 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Many people think that cities, especially ones as large and stereotyped as Los Angeles, are devoid of nature, and certainly devoid of any nature worth studying. Scientists at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)
Powered by the People: A Citizen Science Sampler Read More »
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the May/June 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Making and tinkering are not fads. Their presence in science centers and museums may be a fad for many, but “making” is a human biological imperative. We are the species that makes over
IN THIS ISSUE January/February 2014 Exhibits are central to the work of science centers and museums, and to the experience of our visitors. This issue of Dimensions draws upon the wisdom of our field, compiling practical tips and guidelines from exhibit professionals working in a variety of museums and companies around the world. These professionals
Dimensions, January/February 2014—A Closer Look at Exhibits Read More »
These case studies complement the article Inside the Process: Three Exhibit Development Case Studies, which appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Innovation Labs in Indian Science Centers To promote national competitiveness in the 21st century, the president of India declared the present decade (2010–20) as the “decade of innovation.” Taking the agenda
Exhibit Case Studies Read More »
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. On building interactive exhibits to last I am convinced that small and seemingly insignificant parts can make the difference between an exhibit that will last for years with almost no maintenance and one that will need constant
Exhibit Tips from Around the World Read More »
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the January/February 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Good examples of technology gone bad can often be traced to poor design. Does the design of an interactive cause visitors to isolate from others, or does it support social engagement? Does the
By Mary Ann Wojton From Dimensions September/October 2013 Student field trips to COSI in Columbus, Ohio, attract approximately 75,000 visitors annually. We wanted to understand how teachers perceive our science center and field trip offerings in order to better serve them and to represent ourselves to them in the most positive and relevant way. Therefore,
Field Trips: What Teachers Told Us Read More »
We asked public relations (PR) professionals from science centers and museums around the world to send us their best practices, guidelines, practical tips, and pieces of advice. Here’s what they told us. (This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the September/October 2013 issue of Dimensions magazine.) Thanksgiving Point is currently in
Best Practices in Public Relations Read More »