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 the museum. Every person needs …
What is your best piece of leadership advice? Read More »
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 is easy to soak in …
As a leader, what keeps you awake at night? Read More »
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 museum colleagues from around the …
Leadership During Times of Crisis Read More »
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 in high-growth startups before turning …
Our Boards in Action: Ann S. Bowers on the Noyce Leadership Institute Read More »
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 get more than 40 first-time …
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 biggest challenge: realizing that it …
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 cooperation with Pavilion of Knowledge–Ciência …
When Heureka Went Crazy 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 »
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 approaches to science instruction and …
How Can Museums Help Teachers with the Next Generation Science Standards? Read More »
By TM Lim From Dimensions November/December 2014 In September 2013, Singapore’s Minister for Education Swee Keat Heng shared his vision of making “Every School a Good School.” His idea of a good school is one that provides a solid education to all students and encourages them to become confident, self-motivated, lifelong learners. Minister Heng’s vision …
Teaching STEM with Real-World Relevance in Singapore 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 »
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the September/October 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. A growing number of science festivals are now taking place across the world every year. In the United States alone, around four dozen new science festival initiatives have emerged in just the past five years. Each science …
Science Festivals: Celebrations of Science Around the World Read More »
By Nalini Nadkarni From Dimensions September/October 2014 Science belongs everywhere. Although informal science learning typically takes place in the bright spots of society—our museums, botanical gardens, and science centers—some science educators are creating programs for individuals who live in the darker parts of our communities, such as prisons. Over 2 million people are in prison …
Into the Light: Bringing Science Education to the Incarcerated Read More »
By Brad McLain From Dimensions July/August 2014 “Once language was available to describe social scenarios from memory and anticipations, we became Homo narratus. We have become psychological beings who are incapable of not narrating our experiences both to ourselves and each other.” —Alan Parry, 1997 People are natural storytellers. We are also natural story hearers. …
STEPS: Where the Drama of Science Meets the Science of Drama Read More »
By Christine L. Goforth, Julie M. Urban, and Julie E. Horvath From Dimensions May/June 2014 At the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS), Raleigh, we’ve made citizen science a priority, because we recognize its power to teach people about the natural world and the role of science in their daily lives. The value of …
Bridging the Gaps: Integrating Citizen Science Throughout an Institution Read More »
This is an extended version of an article that appeared in the May/June 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Many people think that cities, especially ones as large and stereotyped as Los Angeles, are devoid of nature, and certainly devoid of any nature worth studying. Scientists at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) …
Powered by the People: A Citizen Science Sampler Read More »
This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the May/June 2014 issue of Dimensions magazine. Making and tinkering are not fads. Their presence in science centers and museums may be a fad for many, but “making” is a human biological imperative. We are the species that makes over …
IN THIS ISSUE March/April 2014 Inspired by the International Year of Family Farming 2014, this issue of Dimensions examines how science centers and museums are addressing the diverse, complex, and sometimes controversial issues surrounding agriculture. We all depend on agriculture—whether we live in a rural or urban area, in a developed or developing country. Agriculture …
Dimensions, March/April 2014—Cultivating the Future: Science Centers and Agriculture Read More »
By Conchi Quintana From Dimensions March/April 2014 According to current forecasts, world agricultural production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the food demands of a world population of over 9 billion. The good news is that there is no need to invent anything new to respond to this challenge; instead, we …
Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth Read More »
IN THIS ISSUE January/February 2014 Exhibits are central to the work of science centers and museums, and to the experience of our visitors. This issue of Dimensions draws upon the wisdom of our field, compiling practical tips and guidelines from exhibit professionals working in a variety of museums and companies around the world. These professionals …
Dimensions, January/February 2014—A Closer Look at Exhibits Read More »
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