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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
By Jim Short From Dimensions November/December 2014 Released in 2013, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have the potential to revolutionize science education in the United States, requiring a very different way of thinking about learning and teaching science. Now is an opportune moment to prepare teachers for these new