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

ASTC has yet to receive a membership application from a creationist museum,
but I did receive a call last September from a group in Ohio that was
interested in becoming a Travel Passport Program site.

The ASTC Membership Committee is charged with reviewing all prospective
members. Applicants must agree with and demonstrate a strong interest in the
goals of ASTC, such as, but not limited to:

--furthering the public understanding of science

--showing the impact of science and technology on society and culture

--encouraging diversity and participation by all peoples in the scientific
enterprise, especially women, minorities, and other groups underrepresented
in scientific and technological careers

--serving as a vehicle for cooperative projects of mutual interest to its
membership

--advancing the role of science and technology centers in society

--cooperating with other educational agencies and organizations to further
common goals.


ASTC's "Statement on Science" may be found here:
www.astc.org/resource/education/evolution.htm

After reviewing the applicants, the Membership Committee sends its
recommendations for membership to the ASTC Board for approval.

Diane Frendak
ASTC membership director 

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amanda Chesworth
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2007 11:37 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: creationist museums


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

Are there any rules in place with the ASTC for whether or not creationist
museums can join the organization? I'd hope they wouldn't be allowed but I
fear people are becoming more and more sympathetic to their cause. If they
haven't already, I expect they'll soon be petitioning the natural history
museums to offer their perspective. Have any museums addressed this issue
and taken a position on it? If it is to be addressed in exhibits on
evolution, I'd hope it would be displayed as a pseudoscience. Are there any
rules in place for docents? They're not necessarily well-versed in the
evolutionary sciences and I wonder if they may promote creationism during
their tours. 

Amanda

* * *
Amanda Chesworth
Educational Director, Children's Programming
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
http://www.csicop.org
http://www.inquiringminds.org
http://www.campinquiry.org

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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.

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