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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Len:  Thanks for making an excellent point.  As a group, we often  
succumb to the myth that if we build it, "they" will come....

I think this relates to Charlie C's. point earlier about how research  
can inform not only science content, but also audience issues.   
Besides the work of VSA, what does research from other fields suggest  
about teenagers, group identity, leisure, work, learning, and other  
influences in their lives?  I wish I had another lifetime to study  
it :).


On Feb 17, 2011, at 10:32 AM, Len Adams wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
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