Questacon > Other Web Sites > 3rd Science Centre World Congress > Co-operation and Development

IIISCWC

Parallel Sessions

Cooperation and Development: science centres reach out to work with each other and with their communities

Science and technology across cultural boundaries & challenges for indigenous programs

Developing an interactive exhibition on indigenous knowledges and taking science shows and workshops to remote aboriginal communities present exciting logistical and cultural challenges. Discovering and respecting cultural sensitivities is an essential part of this work. There are several Australian programs that are working to meet the needs of indigenous communities and represent their knowledge in science and technology education.

Speakers: Allen Rooney, National Teacher Programs,
Questacon, Australia.
Jenny Dettrick, Project Officer,
Questacon, Australia.
Linda Cooper,
Interactive Exhibition Consultants and Cross-Cultural Initiatives, Australia.

Reaching out to regional and rural areas

A number of science centres in Australia, New Zealand and Asia have developed successful programs which take the science centre experience to rural and remote communities. Panelists will discuss the impact that these programs are making and the challenges ahead to ensure that these programs are relevant and viable.

Session leader: Dr Graeme Potter, Director,
Queensland Sciencentre, Australia.

The new SET Discovery Centre at the University of Pretoria

The focus of the new centre shifted from the traditional Newtonian science to a more integrated approach of technology, engineering, biology, botany and astronomy. Closer collaboration between these fields makes it an anchor point for outreach and public understanding activities. Combining it with the academic environment of the University makes it a unique Discovery Centre.

Speakers: Mrs Rudi Horak, Curator,
Discovery Centre @ TUKS, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Prof Emile Horak, Head,
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Science centres and formal education partnerships

How do science centres in different countries contribute to the public education system? Do centres receive funding from a national government? Are they recognised players in the public education arena? Are there patterns of involvement in different regions of the world? Join us to explore the impact of science centres in formal public education.

Session leader: Vera L Y Uyehara, President,
Quantum-Itch, Inc, USA.

Science centres funded by research organisations - a complementary approach

More and more research organisations are establishing science centres as part of their public communication programs. What are their motivations? What are the roles of the partners in such projects? What are the mutual benefits and potential challenges? This session will feature examples from different regions of the world and examine how this new breed of science centre can integrate and collaborate with the museum field.

Session leader: Catherine Franche, Head, Professional Development,
OCIM, France.

Panel members: Emma Sanders, Head, Microcosm,
CERN, Switzerland.
Christine Cansfield-Smith, Manager,
CSIRO Discovery Centre, Australia.
Anne Charpentier, Museologist, Development and Public Programs,
Scientific Institutions Service, Canada.
Linda Conlon, Director,
Life Interactive World, UK.

Outreach activities and school support of science centres

School support and outreach activities can be an important educational contribution developed by science centres particularly where schools lack equipment. Distance education by radio and Internet, innovative environmental education programs and experimental activities with loaned equipment are being developed by science centres maintained by SATWAC Foundation in Ahmedabad, India and University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their impact will be presented and discussed.

Session leaders: Prof Dr Dietrich Schiel, Director,
Centre of Scientific and Cultural Dissemination, Brazil;

Dr Jayshree Mehta, Director,
SATWAC Foundation, India.

Plenary & Major Sessions and Parallel Sessions (colour pdf, 295 kB)