Science + the Public + Experts + Dialogue = A New Kind of Learning

By Liz Doran

Where do science, communication and learning intersect to meet a diverse audience?

Science museums are one site, which makes them a prime site for the LIT HoMES team to consider as we develop our upcoming summit on homeowners and energy use.

If you haven’t been to a science museum in the last 10 years, you may find that things have changed, particularly when it comes to the kind of science that raises tough questions for society. Combining a unique brand of informal science education with expert scientific knowledge and an engaged public audience, science museums across the country have been busy building a network to bring a unique kind of learning out of the museum and into the world. Starting with nano-technology over a decade ago, this network has developed forums, workshops and exhibits on scientifically grounded issues with significant social implications. Other topics addressed include synthetic biology, consumer product regulation, fishing policy, food regulation, school start times… the list goes on and on.

Upending the traditional model of scientific understanding directed at the public by experts, these forums and workshops seek to bring experts and citizens together in a fun, collaborative and participatory space that encourages dialogue and analysis to inform better decision-making on issues related to the role of science and technology in society.

Members of the Lit HoMES team wanted to know: How do they do it?

So we met with some of the most enthusiastic informal science educators working in the space we could find. David Sittenfeld, Program Manager for the Forum program at the Museum of Science Boston not only shared a wealth of resources on best practices, he also offered to connect the team with other members of the science museum network and provided some sage advice: even if your goal is an open dialogue, be prepared, and have good facilitation.

Closer to home, members of the Lit HoMES team also recently headed to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, also part of the national network. After a brief tour of the resources and offerings of the museum itself, the team sat down with Troy Livingston, VP for Innovation, and Brad Herring, informal science education expert, at the Museum, who not only shared their own advice, but also offered suggestions for how to plan a successful day.

The team will continue its dialogue with people like this over the next several months as we head toward our February 20th summit in Gross Hall. Stay tuned.