ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ***************************************************************************** Edith, To say that the exchange of ideas seems to indicate that we don't want people of different beliefs to come to our science centers seems to be a bit of a leap. From what I have heard, there is an argument over what and how we should present things. Often this comes down to a point of syntax. People do have emotional triggers to certain words...(such as "wrong" and "evolution," oddly enough one can often say the same things without those words). To say that we are non-inclusive because a science center presents things their audience may disagree with is taking it to an extreme. And as for that list of religions who we have excluded...I know a great many of them who 1) believe in evolution (yes there are many Catholics who believe in evolution) and 2) go to our science centers! 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.ast c.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]