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
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...
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...
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...
Exhibit development
Heather FarnworthLisa R TucciGail SymingtonDidier LavalBruno Araújo-Gomes
It takes more than a great idea or unique collection to produce a traveling exhibition other science centres will want to host. This session will uncover what it takes to get started in touring exhibitions. We will cover:
Explainers & visitor services
Marjelle van HoornKaren DaviesMarjolein van BreemenNils Petter HauanMarie HobsonSally Collins
How can science museums and centres create memorable experiences that inspire students about science and the natural world and that also support the school curriculum, without any facilitator? What does the perfect self-guided school experience...
Explainers & visitor services
Ramon SanguesaIrene Lapuente AguilarLaurence HumierMoritz Moritz StefanerSusanne Jaschko
Food can help us learn about science and about food itself. We’ll explore novel methods to engage audiences with a familiar material and to show scientific ideas and processes. This will allow us to: 1. visualise scientific data 2. stimulate...
Explainers & visitor services
Ian SimmonsIan RussellJana BittnerováPeeranut KanhadilokKaterina Ruban
Children’s toys are uniquely successful in attracting and holding children’s interest, stimulating their curiosity, empowering their creativity and inspiring their imagination. Surely, as professional communicators of science, technology,...