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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Interesting comments from everyone:
Charlie, I would suggest its not an instance of "either or."
Institutions such as Philadelphia, Boston, The Exploratorium, Science
North, and others have challenged certain aspects of the status quo
over the years. I tend to agree with you that science centers are
places for informal learning, yet I'm not otherwise convinced that
its necessary to place limits on what can and can't be done. Although
I haven't been out there in a long time, I know Explora in Albuqerque
intentionally turned away from the model of large and impressive
exhibits in favor of more intimate, and one hoped, more reflective
engagements on and around tabletops. Certainly that was a challenge
to the model most science centers are engaged in even now.
One of the things I have enjoyed about the field for so many years is
the lack of codification - that a science center must be this or must
be that. One of the characteristics that describes what I would
consider as the more personally interesting centers are those actively
engaged in exploring the edges of the envelope. I like your view of
museums as essentially being about stuff, whether artifact or
experience - I would just add the caveat that I think museum is not
the best word for centers that are other than artifact based.
I believe science centers, and other informal environments were
created at the overlap between expert cultures - in this instance,
between science and education. Depending on the institutions, you
could certainly add art, or even entertainment, to the mix. My point
is when we borrow directly, nothing much new or interesting occurs;
when we dig and play in those overlaps,
Charlie, thanks again for your insightful reflections.
Jeff Courtman
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