Encouraging youngsters to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related studies and careers is a challenge faced by most European countries.
If science centres and museums are good at exciting STEM curiosity among their young visitors, how good are they at igniting professional choices? Can they really overcome science aversion often developed by some through school failures? Looking forward, could they become efficient orientation tools for future thrilling careers?
Panelists from the US and Europe will review current studies and experiences, and ask how current results could be further improved. We expect constructive contributions and fresh ideas from the audience!
Facilitator
Session speakers
Professor/Principal
Oregon State University/John H Falk Research
Corvallis
United States
Based on 15 years of experience in evaluating the impact of free-choice learning institutions on career selection, what is the real influence of science centers regarding STEM vocations? Are there ways to measure there impact more effectively? What are the best practices on hand?
Head of Development
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Science centres are one player in the overall STEM ecosystem. We are good at some aspects of science engagement, but less good at others. It can be tempting to try and address all the different issues at work around STEM recruitment, but the risk is that a science centre will do little if anything well. Focussing on our strengths, and looking for sensible partnerships would seem to be a better way forward. Science centres should learn a little humility.
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Luxembourg
Are science centers vocation factories? I will review the encouraging results of the Guichard study conducted at the 80 years old Palais de la decouverte in Paris and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of organizing meetings between visitors and STEM professionals (openlabs, speedmeetings, etc) within our institutions.
ImagineLab Manager
Poznan Science and Technology Park AMU Foundation
Poznań
Poland
Life choices are often inspired by meeting a professional with passion. ImagineLab’s (Laboratorium Wyobrazni), a science centre of Poznan Science and Technology Park, experiences and practices to introduce young people to science and scientists in order to encourage them to pursue STEM careers in the future.