Research, theory & evaluation
Rosalia VargasPer-Edvin PerssonPer-Edvin Persson
This presentation summarizes the scientific literature on the impact of science centres on their respective communities, with a focus on learning and education, local economic development and community development. These effects contribute to the...
Marketing & communication
Julie BeckerOlivier Retout
When mainstream media report on art exhibitions, they tend to publish in-depth reviews by specialists commenting not only on the art on show itself, but also on curator choices like narrative, object selection or design. When it comes to science...
Collections
Yuri MattemanAlison BoyleLauren NemroffPatrizia Famà
Science centres and museums aim at tickling the curiosity of visitors, provoking questions and scientific thinking. A unique strength is that we can offer the public real objects, real experiences and real examples. This can be challenging. Some...
Explainers & visitor services
Michael CreekAliki GiannakopoulouMaria Xanthoudaki
Science centres and museums often resort to competitions as a way to engage young people, using prizes as incentives and finding original ways to get kids involved with the museum. In European projects, they can also be a go-to solution for the...
Collections
Kayte McSweeneyJessica BradfordSonja NeumannMarie Hobson
Objects are at the heart of science museums, but they very rarely speak for themselves. They may be historically unique or significant to those that understand them, but to others they can seem banal and disconnected from any meaning. These...
Robert WestTom RockwellLynn ScarffGuy LabineLinda Conlon
Science is not isolated from other aspects of human endeavour, such as history, culture, art, music etc. Science centres must effectively tap into multiple disciplines. Some have done this for considerable time, while others are discovering the...
Explainers & visitor services
Heather KingCecilia EkstrandEffrosyni NomikouBeth Hawkins
Join our hands-on workshop to sample classroom activities inspired by museums and developed by teachers to help build students’ “science capital”. “Science capital” is a key concept in science engagement and refers to the attitudes, experiences...
Explainers & visitor services
Jim ShortAnge AnsourBrian LevineYuri MattemanSally Collins
Many scientists are eager to work directly with youth. We have access, resources, and expertise in engagement – we should help. Each panellist has developed training and support for these scientists, and will discuss pedagogical strategies in use...
Explainers & visitor services
Marjolein van BreemenKaren DaviesAnne Kahr HällmanVarda Gur Ben Shitrit
Museums and science centres increasingly involve themselves in psychological and educational research. The type of research initiated greatly varies within and among centres. Research ranges from theory-motivated academic studies on the one side...
Explainers & visitor services
Ana NoronhaPenny FidlerMarc Moutin
This official Ecsite Space Group session explores how space science and technology can raise public awareness on the responsible use of water and food.
Seen from far away, Earth is a pale blue dot. This is our spaceship, with its limited...
Explainers & visitor services
Mikko MyllykoskiJoachim LerchVincenzo LipardiCarlos Catalao Alves
Join a special “buffet” for a science popularization fest. Formats for science popularisation programmes are exploding today all around the word: science festivals, picnic, days, weeks, happenings, etc. Promoted by science centres, science...
Research, theory & evaluation
Bernadette SchrandtSiëlle GramserAndrea GironRegan Forrest
We eat for all sorts of reasons: a hurried breakfast meets a physiological need; a leisurely meal with family and friends meets a social and spiritual one. Similarly, visitors to museums and other educational leisure settings come with a variety...