IN THIS ISSUE January/February 2020 In this issue, we explore the benefits of breaking down silos. When teams, isolated units, or organizations operate out of step or even at cross-purposes with one another, action may be required. Breaking down silos can increase effectiveness, efficiency, communication, and camaraderie. It can allow for programs and events not …
Dimensions, January/February 2020—Breaking Down Silos Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE November/December 2019 Our theme for this issue is “engaging in education.” Read inspiring examples of science and technology centers and classroom educators working together to share resources and build on each other’s successes. Get inspired to take on a new partnership with your local school system, or use ideas in these articles …
Dimensions, November/December 2019—Engaging in Education Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE May/June 2019 We all know the invaluable worth of a science center or museum. But how do we convey that value to donors, elected officials, and others? Glowing adjectives often aren’t enough. Because of our wide-ranging activities—providing informal STEM education, partnering with the formal education process, supporting healthy community development, and making …
Dimensions, May/June 2019—Making the Case Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE March/April 2019 It’s generally easy to notice big things, but it’s the small things that often have a profound effect on our lives. As best-selling author Mary Roach points out in the Q&A interview, the things she couldn’t see while traveling recently in India—bacteria and viruses—were much more likely to take her down than the massive …
Dimensions, March/April 2019—The Power of Small Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE January/February 2019 At the forefront of informal science learning, we are, in some ways, naturally good at gazing fearlessly into the future. But while we may be better equipped than those in many other fields to strategize for upcoming changes, it’s difficult to see very far ahead, or to know the best …
Dimensions, January/February 2019—The Future of Science Centers Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE November/December 2018 General skills, soft skills, 21st-century skills: simple names for critical proficiencies. They include communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, curiosity, cultural competency, caring, empathy, the ability to listen, and the capacity to support and be supportive of colleagues and mentors. Whether we excel at them or are only just starting to …
Dimensions, November/December 2018—Beyond STEM: 21st-century Skills Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2018 The articles in this issue feature organizations and individuals who have worked to broaden participation in some way. Broadening participation is widely regarded as a worthy goal in our industry, but to what end? Why does broader participation matter? It matters because we need the best innovators, nurses, and engineers. …
Dimensions, September/October 2018—Broadening Participation Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE July/August 2018 The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the Global Goals) are the ambitious targets set by UN member countries in 2015 to guide Earth to a better future. The world’s deadline is 2030 to achieve them. Here is a quick overview of each. They include: No Poverty; Zero …
Dimensions, July/August 2018—Are You Ready for 2030? Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE May/June 2018 As science centers and institutions, we embrace a certain level of risk in the name of discovery and innovation, and we encourage visitors to do the same. But we also must handle the risk that would lead to negative outcomes. The ways in which we manage risk vary greatly, according …
Dimensions, May/June 2018—Risky Business Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE March/April 2018 Attracting adults to science museums and programs presents opportunities and challenges. Considerations include differences in: backgrounds, professions, experience with science, financial situations, availability, and comfort with museum settings—just to name a few. While many science institutions are engaging adults in meaningful ways, some are going the extra mile in providing accessible, relevant science and technology programming. Following are some of the many noteworthy …
Dimensions, March/April 2018—Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults in Science Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2017 Read the full issue. When delegates convene in Tokyo from November 15 to 17 for the Science Centre World Summit (hosted by Miraikan—the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), they will examine ways to build connections and work toward a sustainable future. How can science centers and museums work …
Dimensions, September/October 2017—Co-Design for Transformation Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE July/August 2017 The science center and museum field tends to be very supportive and collaborative. There are many stories of individuals and institutions mentoring one another, passing along knowledge and resources, and helping the field as a whole to grow and move forward. These mentoring relationships can be much more intricate than …
Dimensions, July/August 2017—Inspiring Growth Through Mentoring Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE May/June 2017 Science centers and museums touch lives, spread awe and wonder, and inspire scientists and science enthusiasts of the future. But they can do none of these things without a solid, sustainable business model. Science centers’ business models are as diverse as the communities and nations in which they reside, with …
Dimensions, May/June 2017—Building Your Business Model Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE Special Edition In 2001, ASTC’s Board launched a fieldwide Equity and Diversity Initiative in an effort to lead science centers toward a future in which their audience, staff, and board members more closely reflect the diversity of their societies. Since that time, we have made progress as a field on the path …
Dimensions, Special Edition—Growing Toward a Future Where All Feel Welcome and Heard Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE May/June 2016 Read the full issue. Inspired by the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service, this issue of Dimensions focuses on an educational approach that many science centers and museums share with parks and heritage sites: place-based learning. A place-based approach draws upon an institution’s local context and historical, environmental, and …
Dimensions, May/June 2016—The Power of Place Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2015 As this issue of Dimensions goes to press, world leaders are preparing to convene at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York City to formally adopt the post-2015 development agenda, committing to 17 ambitious new Sustainable Development Goals. So many of the critical issues facing our planet—from climate change …
Dimensions, September/October 2015—Addressing Global Issues Read More »
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, …
Dimensions, November/December 2014—Reconstructing STEM in our Schools Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2014 Download the full issue. Science centers and museums are community-focused institutions. In this issue, we explore many ways science centers are engaging and empowering people in all parts of their communities. Working alongside community members and partners, science centers are addressing key issues, from protecting the environment, to increasing high …
Dimensions, September/October 2014—Celebrating Community Engagement Read More »