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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This may be simplistic (also expressly my own opinion, and does not 
necessarily reflect that of my home institution), but: in the hands of a 
well-intentioned educational regime, the very core values of science 
(inquiry, skepticism, seeking proof, etc.) are systematically stripped 
from children until they are cast off at the end of schooling. Then, as 
adults who have been brainwashed into seeking simple answers, loathing 
math, and memorizing a perplexing rubbish heap of disjointed 
information, they are required to think on their own. . . To vote, Make 
major decisions about the quality of life for themselves and other 
living things, And to navigate an increasingly complex world filled with 
spin and false prophecies. The disconnect between what is asked of 
global citizens, and how they are educated needs to be bridged. Could 
there be a stronger role for science museums in doing this? Can we be a 
vaccine for teaching to the test? Perhaps the best way informal learning 
institutions can support formal ones is to help save them from 
themselves. A couple of resources which I have found useful are:
"Deschooling Society," Ivan Illich (out of print)
available online at http://olivier.hammam.free.fr/imports/illich/deschool/)
and "Science for all Americans"
Available online at: 
http://www.project2061.org/publications/sfaa/online/sfaatoc.htm?ql

-- 
Stephen Miles Uzzo
Director of Technology
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
New York 11368     U.S.A.
v. +1.718.699.0005 x377
f. +1.718.699.1341
http://www.nyscience.org

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