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.
ASTC is delighted to partner with an incredible host consortium in the San Francisco Bay Area to welcome the science engagement field to Annual Conference 2025! We gave each of our eight host institutions an opportunity to share about their work and what they are excited to share with our
Events like the Association of Science and Technology Center’s (ASTC) Annual Conference are where knowledge exchange occurs through panel and workshop sessions, inspiring keynotes, and one-on-one conversations that are often the catalysts for collaborations and partnerships. Extended experiences like staff exchanges, residencies, and fellowships offer additional in-depth opportunities for science
“I became a pilot because I played in that model airplane exhibit in your museum as a child.” Hands On! Discovery Center, adult visitor, 2023 Children’s museums and science centers can be places of wonder and lead to a lifetime love of science or STEM. Pairing up with other partners
Introduce interactive science center visitors to quantum computing concepts through a fun, collaborative game by adapting a free online resource for learning during and beyond the museum visit. Superposition, qubit, entanglement… these key terms relate to the exciting technology and opaque science of quantum computing. The field of Quantum Information
How finding “pockets of yes,” nurturing growth, and sharing joy lead to successful partnerships As a seasoned conference presenter and exhibitor, I always joke that the lull between conference sessions is “introvert hour” when people can engage with booths and vendors at their own pace. I’ve always enjoyed these periods
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has named its new class of AAAS Fellows. Election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor in recognition of diverse accomplishments, including, research, leadership, teaching, mentoring, fostering collaborations, and advancing public understanding of science. Fellows are nominated by AAAS’ 24
COSI in Columbus, Ohio, is preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse in a big way—with song and dance (not to mention science and animation). The science center worked with Alphabet Rockers, choreographers Momentum-Excellence, 2Tall Animation, and other creative forces to produce an original film that is now available for streaming
By Jamie Bell The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is grateful to everyone who engaged so enthusiastically with the interactive timeline of the history of the science museum and science center field at the ASTC 2023 Annual Conference in Charlotte this past October! In my last blog post
Responding to urgent climate-related needs, youth around the world are leading collective actions. Below a team from OMSI shares examples about how a collaboration between youth and a science center supported youth empowerment for collective climate action. OMSI would like to encourage colleagues to continue learning about following youth leadership for
A museum at its best is not just another source of information, no matter how interesting or dazzling that information is. Museums can tell us life-enhancing stories about who we are, why we are here, where we came from, and what is expected of us. Stories that suggest to us