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2008 Conference

International statesman and Scientist, Inventor and Printer, Benjamin Franklin played many roles during his lifetime. Propelled by his belief in the power of science to lead to social improvement around the world, Franklin created a public image—that of the civic scientist. Today, at a time when areas of science and technology may find themselves at odds with segments of society, science centers are positioned to strengthen our role as “civic scientists.” Our place in our society is at the crossroads of the scientific community and the general public. This year, the ASTC conference challenges us to explore our responsibility to both our scientific and public constituencies. What role do we play in reflecting or supporting the views of these communities? How do we mediate the relationship between science and the public?

For 2008, ASTC will explore all aspects of civic science, in addition to science center basics and fundamental professional development topics in our field. We are particularly interested in session proposals that contemplate, challenge, and enrich our strategic thinking in one or more of the following strands as they support the theme, “In the Public Eye—Science Centers at the Crossroads of Science and Culture.”

• Research: How do we better position our own institutions to document and provide evidence for the role of science centers around the globe as mediators between science and culture? How does that evidence contribute to the knowledge base on informal learning environments specifically, and lifelong learning communities more broadly?

• Current Science: How do we connect our audiences with the professional pursuit of scientific knowledge? How do we facilitate communication between science communities and our audiences?

• Learning strategies: How do we engage and educate an audience that may have world views based on different systems of belief? How do we present the process of science as a way of knowing?

• Technology: As new technologies liberate us from the constraints of time and place, how do they change learning in science centers, as well as the way we relate to our families, our communities, and the world? What is our role in advancing the adoption and use of electronic technology?

• Public policy and the environment: Given the impact of current environmental issues, how far should science centers move beyond offering access to science information and get involved in promoting public policy?

• Marketing: What are the issues and strategies needed to engage our audiences in inherently controversial topics? Is it true everywhere that there is no bad press for educational organizations?

• Leadership and management: Given the controversial nature of many of the issues that are addressed by science centers, how do we challenge and manage our boards, staff, and partners that may not be as unbiased or open-minded as we like to think?

Read more in the conference blog.

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