Science centre networks worldwide are working together with UNESCO and ICOM to organize the first International Science Center and Science Museum Day (ISCSMD), which will take place on 10 November 2016. ISCSMD addresses the way science centres and museums educate their diverse audiences about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our institutions are already addressing the SDGs in a wide variety of ways. You can find examples on the recently launched website: www.iscsmd.org.
First: save the date
And make sure you join the movement on 10 November. ISCSMD should illustrate that the science centre and science museum field is a strong tool for education about these important topics and that we help millions of people understand the global challenges and make them actors of change. Hundreds, if not thousands, of institutions should be participating.
Second: relate your practice to the Sustainable Development Goals & share stories
The second most important thing right now is to ask yourself : “How do my work, my institution, my exhibitions, or my programmes relate to the UN SDGs?”
All of our members are already addressing the SDGs. Just take a look at the website and read the stories that science centres and science museums around the world have contributed so far. These are all stories from your colleagues who asked themselves, “How do we address the goals?” And the result is quite convincing, isn’t it? Who doesn’t want to provide equal education for all, to support equal opportunities for girls, or to protect the oceans? Most importantly, all of the topics are closely related to science, through the presentation of the goals themselves or through the solutions being sought.
Send your stories of your most successful programmes, as well as less successful attempts that served as learning experiences to Walter Staveloz, Director International Relations at the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC)
Third: prepare for the day itself
The third task is to prepare for the day itself. You don't need to create something totally new or big. The strength of our field will show through collective action on one day. Once you have identified which of your activities relate to one or more of the SDGs, pick one or more and label them as ISCSMD activities. The web site’s toolkit will soon include logo files and communication suggestions to help you promote your ISCSMD activities. In the meantime, go to the website and complete the form so your participation can be included on the interactive map. The map will be unveiled in September, but please go ahead and submit your information as soon as possible.
Stay tuned, more to come!