What can the designer and the content planner do when faced with an exhibition topic that is neither fancy nor sexy, but just plain boring? This can happen if the topic is dated, narrow, far removed from our everyday life or perhaps in conflict...
Digital technology can deliver engaging, personalised experiences that combine with more traditional elements of the science centre and create a whole new setting – a digital blend. Do these digital interpretation methods enhance the science...
Join leaders from a range of disciplines as they offer a rapid-fire series of visions for the future of science museums and science centres. Different prospects for museums and science centres have included neutral “third places” for communities...
Citizen science projects offer a new form for the engagement of citizens in scientific research. In this session we will explore the opportunities and challenges of this emerging area by looking at different case studies covering a wide range of...
At science centres, we strive for perfection and innovation. We design learning experiences and raise revenue, manage visitor flows and enhance creativity. We care about toilet cleanliness and scientific accuracy. We employ educators and...
Working in a lab is somehow similar to cooking and lab procedures may look like recipes. This hands-on session will welcome participants into a familiar kitchen-like environment and offer short experiments and hands-on activities, exploring the...
In the past several years, making and tinkering have spread around the globe and we don’t have to explain why it is fun to get our hands dirty from time to time, follow our own curiosity or do things with others in a playful way. We can’t be...
By collecting and analysing data about the impacts on the learning, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour of participants in informal learning environments and experiences, we discover “what works” for whom and under what conditions. In addition...
Children are science-interested, curious explorers. Typically, science interest and engagement tends to drop during adolescence, but if maintained can prompt future involvement with STEM. Science museums can trigger short-term interest and...
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a very topical concept at European Union level, and an inspirational one for science centres and museums. This session highlights how RRI tools can be used to create development processes that put...
Social inclusion – a fashionable trend? The fundamental question is: why do we want to be inclusive? Are we missing someone or do we think “they” are missing out on the wonderful experiences we have to offer? Do we programme inclusive activities...
“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground”, says an African quote. Older people are a source of information about “modern times a long time ago” and can share their experiences with younger generations. How was life 60 years ago? How...