ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
Hello, again...
Len, your points are spot-on! There are a myriad of challenges that
accompany working with the teen population! All of the literature and
seminars and workshops say "ask them what they want" and oftentimes,
even when we are able to deliver that, we still don't draw them in... Or
we are unable to hold onto them... Or "life happens" and they have other
priorities. Rather unfortunately, they are one of the neediest
populations that we attempt to serve; yet, they are often the most
elusive population that we serve. Once they leave our spaces, they are
often the most difficult group to track. They are not a "captive"
audience like younger audiences (who, for instance, may be bussed to a
program and then picked up by an adult)... For us, it seems that when
the teens themselves talk (positively) about our programs, the better
attended they are.
Staci A. Cameron
Community Partners Coordinator
Center for Science Learning
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, New York 14211
Ph: 716.896.5200 ext. 343
Fax: 716.897.6723
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Len Adams
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 11:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Successful Teen Programs
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Hi,
I used to work with afterschool providers and we had a difficult time
finding participation outside of programs designed for elementary aged
kids. I'd like to add that Middle and High school students can also
have a variety of challenges that their younger siblings may not be
facing. There are a lot of very fun activities competing for their
time, athletics, friends, etc. But also some students are faced with
the need to work in order to help their family pay bills, this is
particularly true in the summer time. I don't really have any useful
answer to your question, but knowing the barriers that can keep young
people from participating in your programs can be a useful place to
start.
Thanks,
- Len
************************************************************************
Teens are a difficult group to serve. Generally, they are allowed (in
varying degrees) more independence and are therefore a much more
transient group than younger kids. They tire and bore very easily. They
want to "know" but unless you grab them at the very beginning, they may
not stick with you long enough to "get" what it is you are trying to
impart... They are a difficult population!
************************************************************************
*****
Hello,
I have a question for you all about the scope of the population you
serve
and the reaction you have from the community you serve. For example, at
ScienceWorks we serve families with very young children through our
PreSchool Family Network, we have preschool/Head Start field trips to
the
museum, our school program serves primarily grades K-5, we serve middle
school girls through an after school engineering program, teens
participate
as interns during the summer, we have adult functions (lectures, Brews
and
Boogie), and we serve older adults through a partnership with our local
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
There is a perception in our community that we do not serve middle
school
and high school students, although we do have the after school program
for
girls and the internship program for teens. I am curious about what
other
museums do to serve this population. I struggle with ScienceWorks
having to
be all things to all people.
So, I am curious what successful teen programs other museums offer?
Also,
if you have thoughts on this idea of a science center having to serve
EVERY
age group, I'd like to hear that too.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
--
Skoshi Wise
Director of Education
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
541.482.6767 ext. 226
***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at
www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft.
To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
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]
***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at
www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft.
To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
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]
************************************************************************
*************
This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged
information. It has been scanned for viruses. If you are not the
intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return
e-mail, delete this e-mail and destroy any copies.
************************************************************************
**************
***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at
www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft.
To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
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]
***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
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]
|
