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.
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 on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH6MKFmZCuE  ASTC […]
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 on ASTC’s 50th anniversary activities, […]
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 similar social goals. By Maria […]
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 what sort of information is […]
Anniversaries endow significance. The 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) provides a wonderful opportunity to look back at how the field of science museums and science centers has evolved and grown. Formally incorporated by a group of 23 passionate leaders of science engagement organizations in 1973, ASTC […]
How do Americans want to engage with science? Although many studies have explored public opinion and perceptions of science, few have explored if, how, and under what circumstances adults in the U.S. actually want to encounter science content and participate in science-related activities. From 2021-2022, Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) team members and […]
By Cecilia Garibay, Rabiah Mayas, Jamie Bell, and Shannon Sullivan An increasing number of informal STEM education (ISE) institutions and organizations have committed to become more equitable and inclusive in their strategic approach and organizational practice. Centering equity requires organizations to recognize the interconnectedness of internal operations and externally-focused work and examine institutional structures, policies, […]
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 sections, three previous Fellows, or […]
Among the new class of AAAS Fellows announced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) are several individuals affiliated with ASTC members and other committed to public engagement with science. Since 1874, AAAS has been electing Fellows in recognition of diverse accomplishments, including research, leadership, teaching, mentoring, fostering collaborations, and advancing public […]
In 2019, I joined the team developing ASTC’s IF/THEN® Gender Representation Toolkit as an advisor. I am an independent exhibit designer who also writes and consults with museums on matters of gender and sexuality and I was happy to lend my expertise. This toolkit is part of ASTC’s IF/THEN® Gender Equity project and its aim […]