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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The ASTC Conference is super way to hear about current work; RAPs
provide more indepth discusssion and exchange. If you are interested in
exhibits and young chidlren, don't miss the RAP in St. Louis!

Best,
Sally

Sally Middlebrooks
ASTC
1025 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-783-7200 x 118
www.astc.org


December 5-7
Science exhibits for the youngest visitor
Location: St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Contact: Ann Mills: 314-286-4697; [log in to unmask]
Web page:  <http://www.slsc.org/> www.slsc.org


Research tells us the youngest visitor in a family group has a direct
impact on the length of stay at an exhibit. Staff at the St. Louis
Science Center (SLSC) are using this research and their own observations
to make changes to existing exhibits and to design new ones, including
their discovery room. Changing heights, floor surfaces, and altering
text are three of the options that will be explored to better engage the
diverse interests and needs of young visitors. Discussion will include
developmentally appropriate science topics for early learners,
techniques for adding early learning components to existing exhibits,
and ways to help parents better understand how young children learn
within a museum setting.

Ann Mills, Senior Director of Galleries and Science, is organizing this
RAP session. She has 16 years of exhibit experience at The Children's
Museum of Indianapolis and a background in early childhood education.
She heads a team of exhibits and education staff at SLSC who have
embarked on an ambitious project they call the Early Childhood Learning
Initiative. It includes the redesign of the science center's Discovery
Room, a space designed specifically for young learners, and making
appropriate adaptations to existing permanent exhibits. Other science
centers and museums in the area include the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri
Botanical Gardens, The Magic House, and the City Museum.







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