Confident, experienced staff are the key ingredient to operating a successful science centre. They are essential in all areas, from front of house explainer roles to managerial and administrative staff. But how can new teams be developed in a new...
What kind of teacher training and professional development do informal science institutions offer that other providers do not? What resources, experiences and expertise can we provide that are better than those available elsewhere? In this...
An exhibition is a set of exhibits wherein the visitor walks through, touching nd experiencing one after the other. From time to time, however, our visitors like like to have real person-to-person contact. The visitor wants to talk, demonstrate...
This session will focus on museum practice and research insights for designing spaces appropriate for social situations and why this matters when thinking about spaces that facilitate learning. Presentations will discuss intentions and outcomes...
Sustainable development will be high in political and media agenda with the Rio+20 Conference coming up in June 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity for our institutions not only to reinforce public awareness of environmental issues but also to...
How do we communicate scientific information effectively through colors, shapes, animations, and other visual means? Visualization enables visitors to think in creative ways about the information in front of them, bringing brand new perspectives...
At its heart, science is a practical, hands-on subject. Scientists must explore, test, experiment and investigate over time and across nations to gain new insights of how we humans, and the world around us works. However, the amazing careers and...
How do science centres link with the innovation sector (companies, research institutions, etc.)? Do we go beyond treating partners as potential sponsors by inviting them as active subjects in shaping our content? Do we convey to our audiences...
With a vast number of challenging space missions and a wealth of discoveries in recent years, space is providing innovative tools for a rapidly changing world.
In this dedicated session, you are invited to a series of lively...
It is vital to remember that science is never ‘fact’ but comprises a set of models that best explain the way the world works. Will these theories change? Only time will tell. As scientists and science communicators, we must always keep the...
Biodiversity invaded the media space in 2010. Many messages surrounded us; endangered species, climate change, proliferation, preservation… But how do scientists study biodiversity in the field and in the lab? How do species relate to each other...
Social media is everywhere. Individuals and institutions use it all the time. Social media can influence the way people perceive time and space. The ideas of time and space are changed through social media; the museum space gets bigger and bigger...