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.
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
Interviewed by Andrea Appleton This interview appeared in the May/June 2017 issue of Dimensions magazine. The evidence is conclusive: the planet is warming and humans are to blame. But there are still those, some in powerful positions, who don’t believe in climate change. Yet Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale
From Dimensions By Natalie Bortoli Special Edition At the entryway to Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM), a vibrant collection of nearly 400 self-portraits greets visitors, proclaiming, “We are Chicago Children’s Museum.” The faces of children, teachers, community leaders, parents, and caregivers from a variety of backgrounds are intermingled with mirrors so
IN THIS ISSUE Special Edition In 2001, ASTC’s Board launched a fieldwide Equity and Diversity Initiative in an effort to lead science centers toward a future in which their audience, staff, and board members more closely reflect the diversity of their societies. Since that time, we have made progress as
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in a special edition of Dimensions magazine on equity, diversity, and inclusion. The majority of countries in the world have seen a rise in immigration since the beginning of this century. Between 2000 and 2013, the number of international migrants
Interviewed by Joelle Seligson This interview appeared in a special edition of Dimensions magazine on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Having been part of the ASTC Equity and Diversity Committee for much of its history, outgoing committee chair Ann Fumarolo has seen the difference equity and diversity initiatives can make. Fumarolo,
By C. Aaron Price and Faith R. Kares From Dimensions July/August 2016 In the 11 years since the inception of the Science Minors and Achievers program, the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), Chicago, has had plenty of anecdotal evidence that this out-of-school time program has a meaningful impact on
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of Dimensions magazine. We asked science centers and museums to share their best pieces of advice and most important lessons learned regarding the following: 1) selecting topics and activities for out-of-school time programs, 2) partnering
By Tim Watkins From Dimensions May/June 2016 On a May morning in 2007, fourth grader Joshua White hopped on a city bus with his grandmother and rode across Washington, D.C., for his first visit to the nature center at Rock Creek Park. He came to participate in the first annual