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

Dear friends,

ASTC staff and Board members have been in touch with colleagues in areas
affected by the tsunami, as well as members in other regions who are
responding in various ways. We'd like to pass on some of what we've heard. 

Herudi Kartowisastro of the Indonesian Science Centre writes that the
tsunami was "beyond our imagination. The catastrophe is like a slap for a
nation who is still developing. Right now we are thinking for public
education on earthquake, tsunami and everything about natural phenomena." 

The Science and Technology Centre of Thailand has posted information on
their web site: http://www.stkc.go.th/en/index.html


Harison Yusoff of Petrosains, Malaysia, writes that the National Science
Centre coordinated a collection campaign for the Malaysian Tsunami Disaster
Fund in collaboration and that Petrosains, in collaboration with its parent
company PETRONAS (an oil and gas company), also has been collecting funds,
as well as working on educational programs. "Our facilitators were quickly
alerted on the phenomenon and we provided instant training...so that they
can talk a little bit more about earthquakes, tsunamis and the science
involved." They also have set up a committee to prepare for future events,
so that their "role as a credible source of information can be amplified."

News has also come in from Europe and North America of science centers'
efforts to offer both educational events and aid of various kinds, from
personal donations by staff to hosting of fundraisers. We would welcome
other news or suggestions about ways science centers may be of help. 

Wendy

___________________________
Wendy Pollock
Director
Research, Publications, and Exhibitions
Association of Science-Technology Centers
1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
202/783-7200 x 114
202/783-7207 (fax)
[log in to unmask]
www.astc.org 

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