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

The Nov/Dec 2004 ASTC Dimensions focuses in on how to become an
Inclusive Science Center. The front cover is very nice; it represents
people of different cultural backgrounds. The articles are very nice.
Here are a few quotes from the magazine

 

"We have learned that working to create meaningful informal education
experiences across cultures demands an approach based on mutual respect
and trust, one that validates and honors cultural and inherited
knowledge in the same manner as scientific knowledge."  

 

"Inclusiveness at Explora begins with attention to the most basic
aspects of voluntary human learning:...a sense of participation,
ownership, inclusion and respect."  

 

The exchange of ideas on the topic of creation seems to show that an
inclusive science center is a nice idea, as long as those who think
differently are excluded. The ideas expressed also make a joke of the
conflict regarding ASTC 2004 scheduling of its conference during Rosh
Hashanah.  The thought seems to be we respect your holiday, but not your
right to believe in what you are celebrating.

 

The list of cultures that are being excluded is very comprehensive. Here
are just a few of the cultures that believe in creation; Islamic,
Hindus, the Indigenous people of Australia, Jewish, Greek Orthodox,
Mennonites, Mormons, Evangelical Christians, Catholics, Lakota (Sioux),
Cherokee, Navajo and many African religions. Sioux Falls has more then
forty-three languages and cultures represented in its school system, of
which just a few are listed above, all want to be accepted no matter
what their culture or belief system. 

 

Science centers want to attract these diverse cultures to science.
Attacking their belief systems does not seem to be the best way to do
that.  However we can encourage everyone to explore science. To the
creationists, the evolutionists and everyone in between or on the side,
we say, "You're right we don't know all the answers. We can only go with
what we currently know. We encourage you to become a scientist and help
discover the truth."

 

The question should not be, how do science centers force people to
agree, but rather, how can a science center create an environment where
people are invited to enjoy and explore the world of science.

 

One last Nov/Dec 2004 ASTC Dimensions quote "To be successful in our
quest for full inclusion, we all have much more work to do."

Nancy Van Beek

KSDC Education Manager

Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science

301 S. Main Ave

Sioux Falls SD 57104

 

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you
plant."

-Robert Louis Stevenson

 

 

 

 


***********************************************************************
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]