ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
Scott -
Try contacting Shirley West at Turtle Point Environmental Center in
Flomaton, AL. Her context is not identical, but it sounds similar, so
she might have some good feedback for you.
She can be contacted at [log in to unmask]
Bill
Bill Watson
Education Director
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Mobile, AL
(251) 208-6851
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Visit the all-new permanent exhibit MINDS ON HALL, featuring
cutting-edge technology exhibits and the Ciba Hands-on
Science Lab.
Now playing in the Gulf Coast's only IMAX Dome
Theater: SHACKLETON'S ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE
and NASCAR.
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-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Scott McQuerry
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2004 9:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: New Science Center
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Hello all.
I must admit that I have been lurking on this listserve for some time
now,
and I've picked up some valuable information.
I would value any/all opinions concerning this issue....
The Pioneer Ridge Science Education Center (PRSC) opened its doors three
years ago. It is a small center (7000 sq ft) located adjacent to our
district's
sixth-grade center. The population of our school district is 11,000
students
and is a suburb of Kansas City, MO.
PRSC is completely owned and operated by the Independence School
District.
As Director, my only job requirement was to "bring bodies to this
center."
Needless to say, I've had a virtually free canvas from which to work.
Since the initial Director has retired after the first year of
operation, I
have been the sole occupant of this facility. I must admit, my numbers
will
appear small compared to most of you, but my percentage of growth is
through the
roof! Since September 2002, PRSC has exhibited a 400% growth rate in
overall
patronage (from 3,000 visitors in 2001-2002 to nearly 12,000 during this
academic year). My afterschool programs are boasting an 800% growth
rate (from
approximately 50 per show to an average of nearly 400 at the present
time).
Since I have employed the use of various organizations throughout our
community,
volunteers have not been an issue to assist in the afterschool programs.
Nearly half of my patronage is comprised of classrooms during the
academic
day. We have gone from approximately 10 activities that could be
conducted
during the former Director's reign, to nearly 250 activities to choose
from, each
being grade-specific and directly linked to our state's competencies.
I have been looking for an organization that is similar to this
institution.
Is anyone out there?
I have attempted to work with a neighboring informal science
institution;
however, from personal communications with their programming director,
they "do
not deal with small programs" such as mine.
I am far from floundering in this position, I am merely looking for
anyone
out there who might provide some insight as to how I might take PRSC to
the next
level. I would like to collaborate with community organizations to hire
additional staff, link our 40 acre outdoor program with conservation
officials,
expand my afterschool programs and entrench myself with business leaders
in our
community.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank all of you for your
"informal" assistance this past year!!! I would be happy to share some
of my insights
and success stories I have achieved from this position with anyone that
is
interested.
Scott McQuerry
Director
Pioneer Ridge Science Education Center
1656 South Speck Road
Independence, MO 64057
816.796.4890
[log in to unmask]
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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