ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

This problem is exactly what a new movement called "place-based" education is
getting at.  Gaining momentum, especially in the environmental education
field it puts the students in charge of designing their learning experience
with "guidance" from teachers.  It has been found (through reaearch) that
student grades, participation, and attitudes have greatly improved through
this program.   I am looking at developing a site here, and would encourage
everyone to check it out.  

**************************************************
Carol Ryan
Interpretive Services & Outreach Program Leader
Rivers Project Office/National Great Rivers Museum
PO Box 337
Alton, IL  62002
(618) 462-6979
[log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stephen Uzzo
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 8:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: informal supporting formal

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
*****************************************************************************

This may be simplistic (also expressly my own opinion, and does not
necessarily reflect that of my home institution), but: in the hands of a
well-intentioned educational regime, the very core values of science
(inquiry, skepticism, seeking proof, etc.) are systematically stripped from
children until they are cast off at the end of schooling. Then, as adults who
have been brainwashed into seeking simple answers, loathing math, and
memorizing a perplexing rubbish heap of disjointed information, they are
required to think on their own. . . To vote, Make major decisions about the
quality of life for themselves and other living things, And to navigate an
increasingly complex world filled with spin and false prophecies. The
disconnect between what is asked of global citizens, and how they are
educated needs to be bridged. Could there be a stronger role for science
museums in doing this? Can we be a vaccine for teaching to the test? Perhaps
the best way informal learning institutions can support formal ones is to
help save them from themselves. A couple of resources which I have found
useful are:
"Deschooling Society," Ivan Illich (out of print) available online at
http://olivier.hammam.free.fr/imports/illich/deschool/)
and "Science for all Americans"
Available online at: 
http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online/sfaatoc.htm?ql

--
Stephen Miles Uzzo
Director of Technology
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
New York 11368     U.S.A.
v. +1.718.699.0005 x377
f. +1.718.699.1341
http://www.nyscience.org

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