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

For those who might attend a regional Geological Society of America meeting:

Northeastern/North-Central Section Geological Society of American meeting
Pittsburgh, PA
March 20-22, 2011

** Abstract deadline 14 December 2010 **

Session 10: Extending geoscience education beyond the academy

This session will focus on informal Earth science education in all of its guises.

In the November 2010 issue of American Scientist, John Falk and Lynn Dierking write, "On average, only about 5 percent of an American's lifetime is spent in the classroom, and only a small fraction of that is dedicated to science instruction. Emerging data suggests that the best way to increase the public understanding of science is to reach people during the other 95% of their life." (American Scientist 98: 486-493)

Since less than 10% of students nationally take an Earth science class in high school, and only a few percent ever take an introductory geology or related class in college, it seems likely to be the case that most Americans learn what think they know about Earth science outside formal (K-16 and college) education. How can we best complement and supplement formal education with engaging and relevant free-choice learning in Earth system science?

This session will feature presentations on reaching public with Earth system science. Just a few of many possible examples include:
-- programs or exhibits in parks, museums, and nature centers; 
-- information delivered through media such as Internet, TV, or radio
-- working alongside avocational collectors, landscapers, and hikers
-- other creative outreach

You can submit your abstract at http://geosociety.org/Sections/ne/2011mtg/techprog.htm. If you have any questions, please contact me at [log in to unmask]


=========================================
Robert M. Ross
Associate Director for Outreach
Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth
1259 Trumansburg Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
P: 607.273.6623 x18
F: 607.273.6620

On Exhibit at Museum of the Earth:
Science on the Half Shell: How and Why We Study Evolution
September 24, 2010 - February 20, 2011
With support from the National Science Foundation,
Maxie's Supper Club, and M&T Bank.

Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 5pm and Sun. 11 am - 5 pm.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (Labor Day - Memorial Day).

Visit us on the web at www.museumoftheearth.org

PRI and its Museum of the Earth are part of Ithaca's Discovery Trail.  Learn more at www.discoverytrail.com.
***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

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]