Association of Science and Technologies Centers

Association of Science and Technology Centers

Archives: Dimensions

The digital publication of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)

The ASTC Dimensions Resource Library provides peer-reviewed guides, articles, and insights written by science engagement colleagues about topics relevant to science centers and museums and other organizations committed to engaging the public in science and technology.  Interested in contributing to the resource library? Learn more about our quarterly submission cycle and our submission guidelines.

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The organizational and contributor characteristics reflect the ways that ASTC classifies member organizations and individuals in our data collection and reflect categorization at the time the article was originally published.

A close up of a multi-color mixed media collage featuring a gloved hand holding a magazine cover with the text “Museum appoints challenging disabled working class Director?” with an image of a unicorn appearing in the center with other layered text and fabric images appearing around the edges. 

Forging Ahead in Accessibility: Disabled Leadership and the Future of Museum Workforces

June 16, 2026
Alexandra F. Morris | Code Beschler | Emma Cieslik | Karl Mercer | Samuel Goldstone-Brady | Wade Berger
June 16, 2026

At the September 2025 ASTC Conference, the Lived Experience of Disability in Museums Research Group facilitated an interactive workshop on disability employment in museums and science centers, led by disabled museum professionals. Our central premise guiding the workshop is that accessibility in museums must be understood as a labor issue embedded in organizational structures, as well as a visitor-facing concern. At

A pink, cartoon dragon holds a tiny crayon next to text that reads "Daphne Draws Data." There is also a cartoon illustration of a spiral notebook with a bar chart on it.

The Power of Data Play: Helping Kids Explore the World Through Graphs

April 2, 2026
Kaitlin Henze
April 2, 2026

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They ask questions, notice patterns, and try to make sense of what they observe. For children’s museums and science centers, this innate curiosity is a powerful starting point. When we give young visitors tools to explore their questions, we help them

A photo, looking up through a canopy of trees into a blue sky with a few clouds. Text reads Seeding Action. Imagination & Planetary Health.

Imagination and Planetary Health: Science Centers’ and Museums’ Power to Shape the Possible

March 25, 2026
Terri Donofrio
March 25, 2026

Science centers, museums, and public engagement organizations have a critical role to play in building a culture of hope and action to address planetary health priorities. Through summer camps, programming for students and teachers, and dialogue and deliberation events, science centers and museums offer opportunities to practice the skills, capacities, and ways

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Three large dinosaur sculptures overlook the San Francisco Bay at sunset.

Reframing Succession Planning: A Practical, Equitable Approach to Organizational Continuity

March 2, 2026
Rena Dorph | Preeti Gupta
March 2, 2026

Succession planning isn’t planned extinction; it’s a collective look towards the horizon. — Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science For science centers and museums, succession planning is a strategic response to longstanding workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, turnover, and professional growth. Disruptions over the past six years—from the pandemic

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An image of Linda Kekelis, seated at a desk, smiling broadly. A large, colorful bouquet of flowers sits on the desk.

With Passion and Innovation, Linda Kekelis Charts a Path for Girls in STEM

February 25, 2026
Jennifer Stancil | Dr. Linda Kekelis
February 25, 2026

Linda Kekelis was a 2025 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awardee for her body of work in the field of informal education, including her role in founding Techbridge Girls. The awards—presented each year by ASTC—honor member institutions and/or their staff and volunteers whose work represents exceptional achievement. These awards celebrate

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