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.
Interviewed by Todd Happer This interview appeared in the September/October 2017 issue of Dimensions magazine. At the 2017 ASTC Annual Conference, Guy Labine, CEO of Science North in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, will take the reins as ASTC’s Board chair from Linda Conlon, CEO of the International Centre for Life in
During International Science Center and Science Museum Day (ISCSMD) on November 10, a new Girls: STEM-SDG Marathon will highlight how women and girls are using science to help achieve the world’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the course of the day—across 30 global time zones—the marathon will showcase interviews with these
IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2017 Read the full issue. When delegates convene in Tokyo from November 15 to 17 for the Science Centre World Summit (hosted by Miraikan—the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), they will examine ways to build connections and work toward a sustainable future. How can
Interviewed by Andrea Appleton This interview appeared in the September/October 2017 issue of Dimensions magazine. Since 1985, Diana Pardue has worked with two of the United States’ most treasured symbols. She is chief of the museum services division at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island in New
IN THIS ISSUE July/August 2017 The science center and museum field tends to be very supportive and collaborative. There are many stories of individuals and institutions mentoring one another, passing along knowledge and resources, and helping the field as a whole to grow and move forward. These mentoring relationships can
By Julie I. Johnson From Dimensions July/August 2017 Mentoring is about establishing and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships, either face-to-face or virtually. The format of a mentoring relationship can vary widely. We are most familiar with the traditional one-on-one format, in which a senior person mentors a junior person. Other forms of mentoring are
Interviewed by Andrea Appleton This interview appeared in the July/August 2017 issue of Dimensions magazine. Emily Graslie has a pretty cool job. She is chief curiosity correspondent for Chicago’s Field Museum. She landed the position through her YouTube Channel, The Brain Scoop, in which she explores scientific topics with a
By Linda Conlon From Dimensions May/June 2017 Science centers are the same—but different. Look at the mission statements of science centers worldwide. They use slightly different wording, but they all focus on making science accessible, relevant, and inspiring for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are united in our quest
IN THIS ISSUE May/June 2017 Science centers and museums touch lives, spread awe and wonder, and inspire scientists and science enthusiasts of the future. But they can do none of these things without a solid, sustainable business model. Science centers’ business models are as diverse as the communities and nations
This article originally appeared in the May/June 2017 issue of Dimensions magazine. The biggest misconception about science centers that I would like to correct is the idea that a science center is a place for children only. Many people associate interactivity with “for children.” Many adults see the interaction with