ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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You may find reading about science every bit as intriguing as doing science
- but much of your audience does not. (Back to the original theme, multiple
intelligences). And, if they do enjoy reading about science, why would they
drive to your museum when one trip to the library will get them many more
hours of science at little or no cost. 

The start of this conversation was the need to appeal to multiple
intelligences. Reading science appeals to one - a minority of the total
audience. If museums appeal to that minority, they can be replaced by
libraries. 

The vast majority of visitors (especially kids) don't enjoy reading about
science. Most kids - based on my observations - are action orientated. Watch
them go through your museum - you see kinetic energy. And, in general, they
aren't intimidated by the open-ended. In fact, they try to make most
exhibits open-ended even if the exhibit isn't intended to be open-ended.

If you were going to excite your son/daughter, niece/nephew about some
aspect of science you would have them play with something. Then you'd
suggest other ways they could play. You might introduce new materials or
tools. You'd let them be in charge of where they go. You would be near by to
help if help were needed, but you'd let them control the experience. The
experience would "flow." They would want to do more. 

You wouldn't lecture them, or direct them to read something. You'd let them
play. That's what scientists do - they play with stuff. Let the public be
scientists!

Yes, maybe you enjoy reading about science, but much or your audience does
not read science. Yet, if you engage them in an exploration or experiment
where they are in control, they will do science and enjoy it. And, probably
want to do more. Plant questions, not answers.

The doing is the fun. Why hog the fun and keep it locked up in the
laboratory or field. Why not share the fun with the active learning public?

Ed


Ed Sobey, Ph.D.
Global Evangelist for Creative Learning
Northwest Invention Center
(425) 861-8685
www.invention-center.com
www.kidsinvent.com
www.asiainvents.com
 
 
 

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