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Just as a heads up we wrote an article in Dimensions which should be out
before the ASTC conference that posits a larger context for these labs. We
talk about the importance of programs like the labs in rebranding science
centers for adults. I applaud the Design Labs at NYSCI, just think the
model could go a lot further.


On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 6:26 PM, Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> explo opened in 69 (NY Hall of Science opened in 64!).  There were no
> traditional science museum people to doubt the explo's strategies. there
> are only two or three science museums...franklin, msi, and ontario of that
> vintage (NYSCI practically closed for a decade or more after the fair, so
> we don't really belong to the first wave.)
>
> The computer quotation is probably a misremembering of a misquote
> attributed to Thomas Watson, who led IBM in the 50's-60's.  He never said
> what is often attributed to him "there is a worldwide market for perhaps 5
> computers."
>
> FWIW, NYSCI is devoting about 1/3 of its exhibition space to Design Lab,
> which is all facilitated maker-style activities.  We are leading a grant
> funded collaborative with several other museums to share strategies and
> resources around design based learning, the Tech, Boston, Minnesota,
> Explora, TELUS Spark.  We host World Maker Faire.  We are completely
> restructuring our Explainer training to support this kind of learning. So
> we are all in.
>
> It was a funder who was wondering if this is a fad--not me-- and while I
> wish it were adequate to tell this funder "no, it isn't,"  I don't think
> that will work.  Rather, I suggested that s/he look for proposals that are
> about people and skill building, rather than about equipment, as I think
> this is an effective proxy to distinguish between those who want to make a
> sustained go of this approach, and those who are superficially engaged.
>
> I do find what charlie says, that interactive exhibits were a "compromise"
> between the desire to make the whole explo a tinkering space and the
> exigencies of running a museum very interesting.  Charlie, if you could
> send me some more documentation or description of that offline, I'd really
> appreciate it.
>
> e
>
> On Aug 3, 2013, at 10:50 AM, Eli Kuslansky <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> > ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> > Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> >
> *****************************************************************************
> >
> > Calling these lab a fad reminds me of a bank VP who was a mainframe guy
> > thought PCs were a fad. I wonder what the traditional science museum
> people
> > were saying in 164 when the Exploratorium opened? In this challenging
> > environment with science centers struggling to retain their relevance and
> > expand their audience beyond younger kids, experiments like this are
> > essential even if the final version looks a lot different. The
> sustainable
> > model for these labs are not evident yet.
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 8:29 AM, Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
> >
> >> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers
> >> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> >> institutions.
> >>
> >>
> *****************************************************************************
> >>
> >> Thats an interesting historical note, charlie.
> >>
> >> e
> >>
> >> On Aug 3, 2013, at 12:45 AM, Charles Carlson <
> [log in to unmask]>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Its a fad that comes and goes periodically.   It will ultimately prove
> >> too costly to operate  on a continuous basis, but is well worth the
> passing
> >> investment of time and energy.  I reflect that demonstrations and
> >> mentorship are not far from this domain of hands on museum activity.
> >>>
> >>> It may more than anything reflect the current job market for young
> >> people, and shifting social dynamics, and a lack of vocational and lab
> >> opportunities in schools.  It's a valuable component of hands on
> engagement
> >> via exhibits.
> >>>
> >>> In any case, it's heartening that museums can foster extended learning
> >> and tinkering.  It falls well within the current emphasis and interest
> in
> >> engineering in schools, and is lots of fun.
> >>>
> >>> The Exploratorium would have been a large tinkering space but was
> >> limited by resources.   Hands on exhibits were a compromise solution to
> the
> >> original problem, but they also found traction and efficacy with
> respect to
> >> learning.
> >>>
> >>> C
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
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