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.
When errors occurred, the campers needed to troubleshoot both the hardware and the software. The camper in this photo is checking his code and wiring to try and determine if anything is missing or out of place. / photo courtesy of TERC Walking into the final showcase of NeuroVivid camp,
At the September 2025 ASTC Conference, the Lived Experience of Disability in Museums Research Group facilitated an interactive workshop on disability employment in museums and science centers, led by disabled museum professionals. Our central premise guiding the workshop is that accessibility in museums must be understood as a labor issue embedded in organizational structures, as well as a visitor-facing concern. At
Educators are critical to science museum operations, both inside the museum and in the community. © Florida Museum of Natural History / Jeff Gage Every visitor’s experience at a science center or museum is enhanced by their engagement with museum staff. When visitors interact with members of museum teams, it
What does poison actually do inside your body? The answer lies in the fascinating field of biochemistry—a hidden world shaping everything we do, yet one most of us can’t see or explain. The challenge is making it both understandable and engaging for all ages. Why Biochemistry Can Feel Out of Reach Biochemistry is the
Math is uniquely associated with anxiety and phobia. When was the last time you heard anyone say they were “history-phobic”?
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They ask questions, notice patterns, and try to make sense of what they observe. For children’s museums and science centers, this innate curiosity is a powerful starting point. When we give young visitors tools to explore their questions, we help them
AI-enabled tools and systems are rapidly changing many parts of our lives, yet there is a real gap between AI’s growing societal influence and public understanding or agency. Most of us don’t fully understand what AI is, how it’s shaping our lives, or how to navigate it carefully and thoughtfully.
Science centers, museums, and public engagement organizations have a critical role to play in building a culture of hope and action to address planetary health priorities. Through summer camps, programming for students and teachers, and dialogue and deliberation events, science centers and museums offer opportunities to practice the skills, capacities, and ways
This project from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was a 2025 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awardee. The awards—presented each year by ASTC—honor member institutions and/or their staff and volunteers whose work represents exceptional achievement. These awards celebrate efforts that not only enhance the performance of an individual
Succession planning isn’t planned extinction; it’s a collective look towards the horizon. — Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science For science centers and museums, succession planning is a strategic response to longstanding workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, turnover, and professional growth. Disruptions over the past six years—from the pandemic