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.

Appreciating the Dynamic Process of Scientific Advancement

April 6, 2015
Anthony (Bud) Rock
April 6, 2015

By Anthony (Bud) Rock A recent report of the (U.S.) Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee contains federal nutritional recommendations indicating that there is now insufficient evidence to substantiate the recommended 300 milligram-per-day limit on cholesterol intake. While the conclusions were met positively by the “foodies” who have struggled to work around such dietary limitations, some characterized […]

Lessons from the Noyce Leadership Institute

March 13, 2015
March 13, 2015

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 those organizations […]

Our Boards in Action: Ann S. Bowers on the Noyce Leadership Institute

March 12, 2015
Joelle Seligson
March 12, 2015

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 […]

Leadership During Times of Crisis

March 12, 2015
March 12, 2015

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 […]

As a leader, what keeps you awake at night?

March 12, 2015
March 12, 2015

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 […]

What is your best piece of leadership advice?

March 12, 2015
March 12, 2015

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 […]

Do you think science centers and museums should use crowdfunding resources (like Kickstarter or IndieGoGo) to raise funds for exhibits and events?

March 11, 2015
March 11, 2015

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 […]

When Heureka Went Crazy

January 14, 2015
Heidi Rosenström
January 14, 2015

By Heidi Rosenström From Dimensions January/February 2015 Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre, in Vantaa, developed a traveling exhibition that aims to decrease the stigma connected to mental health problems and encourage visitors to take care of their mental health. Called Heureka Goes Crazy, this award-winning interactive exhibition was developed in cooperation with Pavilion of Knowledge–Ciência […]

Brain Teasers

January 14, 2015
January 14, 2015

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 […]

Dimensions, November/December 2014—Reconstructing STEM in our Schools

November 19, 2014
November 19, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE November/December 2014 Countries worldwide recognize the need to cultivate a scientifically literate population and prepare a strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Many national and regional governments are therefore launching initiatives aimed at teaching STEM more effectively in schools. In this issue, […]

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