Conference sessions

We’ll heat up the stove in this high energy workshop of speed dates, group discussions and one-on-one assignments, participants will analyze cases of smart ICT use (co-created databases, smartphones) and apply it in their own situation on topics of their choice. For example, can we bridge the distance to scientific subjects, like in Exploratoriums ‘Cabspotting’? Should we personalize access to knowledge with Cita della Scienza’s ‘smart education’? Build interfaces that invite the audience to co-create data, like ‘Carboschools’ did all over Europe? Or support storytelling in Virtual Museums and apps to show researchers more than just research? This workshop supplies participants with inspiring ideas and important do’s and don’ts.

One idea of ‘slow spaces’ is to rethink slowness and see it as an opportunity for people to be creative, focused and social. The concept of ‘slow’ can be seen as a hinderance in a world which highly values speed. In today’s culture, there is a premium of material reward for realizing ideas and projects that increase the movement and speed of objects from one given point to another. This session will examine the conditions for defining slow spaces from a different perspective.

How much are you prepared to change your message to meet the needs of an audience? In this reverse session, speakers describe problems of delivering astronomy shows to ultra-orthodox Jewish communities, translating a secular exhibition devised in Northern Europe to a Catholic, Eastern European country, and setting up a science centre in a place with a strong fundamentalist Muslim community. Is it possible to pass on a science message to audiences with firm religious beliefs? This session will be chaired by Maya Halevy, who is no stranger to the conflicting demands of different faiths. The panelists will speak briefly but are unanimous in their belief that there is more to be gained from exploring common ground than from emphasizing differences.

In this session, we will explore what “scientific culture” means for science communication institutions: Is it a form of culture, specific to scientists and researchers that science centres and museums should make available to their audiences? Or is it more related to scientific literacy and empowering citizens? How does scientific culture relate to two operational models we have been using in the field of science communication: Public Understanding of Science and Public Engagement with Science and Technology? To what extent are science centres and museums different from schools in dealing with the notion of scientific culture? Are we the ideal places to foster the development of scientific culture in social contexts? Finally, data concerning Cities of Scientific Culture which is emerging from the PLACES project will be discussed.

Suzanne de Cheveigné
Senior Researcher
CNRS / Centre Norbert Elias, France

Ilan Chabay
Director of the Göteborg Center for Public Learning and Understanding of Science
Chalmers University of Technology / Göteborg University
Sweden

Vladimir de Semir
Director
Science Communication Observatory / University Pompeu Fabra
Spain

According to the literature, science centres tend to achive meaningful motivational and learning results among school groups only if teachers have prepared for the visit using both pre- and post-visit materials. Teacher training is key in this process. Data, theory, and practical models from Austriam Scotland and Finland will be presented.

Though the science is clear that anthropogenic actions are creating climatic change throughout the planet at an unprecedented rate compared to normal geological history, there is a need to better inform the public about how lifestyle changes can significantly affect the future. In 2002, the World Aquarium began surveying the public regarding their understanding of environmental issues. Further research with students indicated they have grave concern for their inheritance of responsibility for the planet. In this session, we expect to discuss the evolution of public opinion regarding climate change, specifically motivational opportunities for greater public awareness and actions through exhibits and outreach efforts.