Important Parameters in Designing and Presenting Exhibits and Planetarium Programs in Science Centers : A Visitor-Based Framework

This dissertation proposes an initial framework for designing and presenting exhibits in science centers and to recommend methods for improving the educational role of planetariums in science centers.

Citizens and Contemporary Science Ways to dialogue in science centre contexts.

The current paper presents a study conducted at At-Bristol Science Centre, UK. It is a front-end evaluation for the “Live Science Zone” at At-Bristol, which will be built during the autumn of 2004. It will provide a facility for programmed events and shows, non-programmed investigative activities and the choice of passive or active exploration of current scientific topics. The main aim of the study is to determine characteristics of what kind of techniques to use in the Live Science Zone. The objectives are to explore what has already been done at At-Bristol, and what has been done at other science centres, and to identify successful devices. The secondary aim is mapping what sorts of topics that visitors are actually interested in debating. The methods used in the study are deep qualitative interviews with professionals working within the field of science communication in Europe and North America, and questionnaires answered by visitors to At-Bristol. The results show that there are some gaps between the intentions of the professionals and the opinions of the visitors, in terms of opportunities and willingness for dialogue in science centre activities. The most popular issue was Future and the most popular device was Film.

Nothing too much: reflecting about the role of contextualization in science teaching

The contextualization and discussion about the science role in the social and economical development are unquestionably important for the science teaching process. It doesn't mean, however, that the scientific-theoretic knowledge and the strategies involved in its construction and application might be neglected. In this way, a dangerous situation is created when the contextualization is assumed as a unique and primordial target in science education. This paper presents a research carried out with 15 future chemistry teachers and the results show a worrying "supervalorization", of the contextualization beside other equally important aspects of the chemical knowledge.

Report of Second Meeting with agencies which sponsor regional activities in science and technology

Incluye el temario, la lista de participantes y las ponencias de las agencias que auspician las actividades en ciencia y tecnologia en la region, presentadas en la reunion efectuada el dia anterior a la tercera sesion plenaria del Consejo del Caribe para la Ciencia y la Tecnologia.

Preparation and exchange of audio-visual material for education in science and technology

Contiene informacion sobre el Proyecto III del programa de trabajo del CCCT: preparacion e intercambio de material audiovisual para la educacion sobre los beneficios, limitaciones y peligros del desarrollo en ciencia y tecnologia.

Mechanisms for collaboration in science and technology between CCST and CARICOM

Presenta las recomendaciones para evitar la duplicacion de esfuerzos en la implementacion y fortalecimiento de la colaboracion en ciencia y tecnologia entre las agencias especializadas y los proyectos que deberian llevarse a cabo ya que el resultado de ellos puede ser la base para una mayor colaboracion entre los paises miembros del CCCT.