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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You know... that's a superb idea, Heather. What would one have to do to
get in on this?
Jonah Cohen
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
The Children's Museum
I cannot stress enough that nearly without exception one cannot randomly
combine a collection of circuitry and power supplies into an object and
"accidentally discover" that it is a fully functioning death ray. I
speak here from bitter experience.
-James Kakalios, "The Physics of Super Heroes"
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Heather Gibbons
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 12:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Op Ed in Today's WaPost
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Hello Fellow Science Leaders
It says that there are thousands of DVDs sitting in a warehouse. Why
don't we, ASTC and science centers, see if we can get them and
distribute them? We are also leading advocates for balanced science in
this country. We should discuss the position of the NSTA as a leading
science education organization, but we should also take action as
another leading science education group. This is one way for us to
remain relevant and important resources for our communities. What do you
think?
Heather Gibbons
Education Enrichment Manager
Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave N| Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206/443-3636 | Fax: 206/443-6600
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matthew White
Sent: Sunday, November 26, 2006 7:05 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Op Ed in Today's WaPost
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
There was an interesting piece in the Outlook section of the
Washington Post this morning that I thought I would bring to the
attention of hte group for discussion.
The article was written by Laurie David, one of the producers of Al
Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth."
The article can be found at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/
content/article/2006/11/24/AR2006112400789.html
A brief synopsis:
Apparently the makers of the movie wanted to give thousands of copies
away to schools. They contacted the NSTA and offered them 50,000
copies for distribution. The NSTA declined the offer. Here is the
pertinent paragraph with their reply:
"In their e-mail rejection, they expressed concern that other
"special interests" might ask to distribute materials, too; they said
they didn't want to offer "political" endorsement of the film; and
they saw "little, if any, benefit to NSTA or its members" in
accepting the free DVDs."
The article then goes on to compare that position with the NSTA's
cooperation, some would say complicity, in helping the oil industry
deliver their curriculum materials. They also point out that many of
the programs that the NSTA has developed in past years have been paid
for by companies like Texaco and Exxon/Mobil.
The issue is more complicated than the author makes it appear, but
she does have a point.
The points I thought worthy of discussion here:
1. Is this typical NSTA behavior? I am not familiar with NSTA as I
don't work much directly with Science Teachers. Are the Petroleum
Industry sponsored curriculum materials as pro-energy usage and pro-
petroleum industry as the author suggests? I recall the Reddy
Kilowatt character from my youth and he certainly was.
2. We all need money to produce our programs Many (most) of us apply,
compete for , and sometimes even win grants from eleemosynary arms of
large corporate entities that have vested interests in specific
public policies and even candidates. The problems in censorship,
external, internal and self, has been chewed over ad nauseam in the
museum and popular press. But as a Director of a small center that
takes corporate funding that is part of a larger entity that takes
corporate funding, that is part of an even larger institution that
takes corporate funding I find the NSTA decision odd. When you accept
this type of money you have to be MORE careful not to appear biased.
This move seems tailored made for controversy.
Anyway, I have rambled on. Sorry.
Discuss among yourselves.
Matthew White
Director, Hands On Science Center
National Museum of American History
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
202/633-3698
[log in to unmask]
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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]
***********************************************************************
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]
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