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 *********************************************************************** 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 [log in to unmask] *********************************************************************** 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 [log in to unmask]