The visit to a science museum may be manifested through complex and dynamic motivations which, according to the literature, are under-investigated in a Brazilian context. In this study, an instrument has been modified and applied to 202 visitors up to 15 years in order to investigate motivation for visiting. Combined application of Exploratory Factor Analysis and the Information Bottleneck method revealed that 17 out of the 20 initial items in the questionnaire aligned with three dimensions of motivation. The main motivation was learning desire, while entertainment and interaction motivations
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Ana Cláudia KasseboehmerRosana de Fátima MartinhãoKenia Naara ParraDaniela Maria Lemos Barbato
This exploratory study aims to better understand how adults engage with science in the context of reallife socio-scientific issues (SSIs). Specifically, we examined how parents engage with the issue of radiation from Wi-Fi routers in schools, an issue encountered by parents across the world. Radiation from wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi) routers is a type of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. Nowadays, exposure to RF radiation is widespread; from Wi-Fi routers in workplaces, homes, restaurants, and even buses and trains to cell phones and microwave ovens. The proliferation of
This is an overview of the programs hosted by the Chicago Children's Musuem (CCM) and the Evanston Public Library (EPL). There were a total of eight programs at the CCM:
"Making Stringed Instruments" with Dustin, head of Tinkering School Chicago
"Making Swing Sets" with Dan, a mechanical engineer
"Making Fan-Powered Cars" with Jason, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Project SYNCERE
"Making Wings" with Anna, a costume engineer
"Wired Up" a project involving circuits with Jason, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Project SYNCERE
"Robots and Dirt" a project using
The National Academy of Sciences’ LabX program came into existence in 2017 with a directive to develop programming meant to engage with a young-adult (18-37 years old) target audience who are active decision-makers and whose actions impact current and future policies. While conducting preliminary research, the LabX staff and advisory board discovered that available research on young adults’ relationship with science was sadly lacking in detail, beyond obvious conclusions about high levels of interest in technology and social experiences.
To fill these knowledge gaps, gain a deeper
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Exploratorium, the self-described "museum of science, art and human perception," in San Francisco, California and the 10th anniversary of the launching of the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places and Pursuits. The moment offered me an opportunity to reflect on my own professional journey, which began at the Exploratorium, coincided with a growth spurt of field knowledge-building and has included experiences that inform how I
Today’s digital and online media demand an approach to learning keyed to a networked and interconnected world. The growth of online communities, social and online media, open educational resources, ubiquitous computing, big data, and digital production tools means young people are coming of age with a growing abundance of access to knowledge, information, and social connection. These shifts are tied to a host of new opportunities for interest-driven learning, creative expression, and diverse forms of contribution to civic, political, and economic life. Even learning of traditional academic
Scientific societies, associations, and professional organizations have unique opportunities to foster a culture of “civic science” — broad public engagement with issues that arise at the many intersections of science and society. As linchpins of the scientific enterprise, these organizations engage in a variety of activities to this end, including programs focused on science communication, public engagement, informal education, outreach, and advocacy. This report includes descriptions and characterizations of such activities and programs, to present the landscape of civic science efforts