Association of Science and Technologies Centers

COSI and MODS receive National Medal for Museum and Library Service

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Two ASTC members are among eight institutions honored with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. The award is bestowed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In a release, IMLS Director Crosby Kemper said, “the staff …

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ASTC members recognized by AAM

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Several ASTC-member institutions and science center professionals have been recognized by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) with 2023 awards for their leadership and excellence within the museum field. Awards will be presented at the 2023 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo later this month in Denver, Colorado. Nancy Hanks Award for Rising Stars To highlight …

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ASTC-Thriving Earth Exchange Fellowships Available to Support Community-Centered Science 

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We are excited to continue our relationship with the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Thriving Earth Exchange. Together we will support up to 7 science center and museum staff (and their community partners) to participate in Thriving Earth’s 12-month fellowship and training program. Thriving Earth connects communities with scientists and supports their partnership as they tackle …

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What should everyone know about climate?

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The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is seeking suggestions from the community on revising a key climate literacy guide that is used by educators, policymakers, and scientists across the United States and around the world. What do you think everyone needs to know about climate change? The previous guide, Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles …

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NASA TEAM II program awards STEM engagement projects

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NASA has announced the recipients of the latest round of funding in the agency’s Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) program and TEAM II Community Anchor Awards. Among the new grantees are twelve ASTC members. Both are funded through NASA’s Next Generation STEM (Next Gen STEM), which supports kindergarten to 12-grade students, …

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ASTC Board chair appointed to National Museum and Library Services Board

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William T. Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston—and the Chair of the ASTC Board of Directors—has been appointed by President Biden to the National Museum and Library Services Board. The Board advises the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on general policies with respect to the duties, powers, and authority of the …

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ASTC welcomes two new members

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At its most recent meeting, the ASTC Board of Directors has approved two new organizations for membership. Consistent with ASTC’s Bylaws, all members must be approved for membership by a majority vote of the ASTC Board of Directors. Organizations wishing to apply for membership should consult the Membership section of the ASTC website. Applications for 2023 may be …

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USA TODAY 10Best lists recognize ASTC members

/ Science and Technology Center and Museum Stories / By

Earlier today, USA TODAY announced the winners in its 10Best Reader’s Choice awards for Best Science Museum and Best Children’s Museum. As in the past, these lists include many ASTC-member institutions (n bold, below). Twenty nominees in each category were chosen by a panel of experts including a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors …

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ASTC members offer diverse programming on planetary health

/ ASTC News & Announcements, Impact & Initiatives / By

Globally, members of the public are increasingly concerned about climate change and other threats to our planet’s health, including biodiversity loss and air, soil, and water pollution. Science centers and museums provide unique opportunities for visitors and their broader communities to learn more about the issues that concern them and how we can address them, …

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Understanding science center and children’s museum workforces: ACM–ASTC Workforce Survey

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The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) are again partnering to look at the workforce of our member institutions. This ACM–ASTC Workforce Survey, most recently conducted in 2011 and 2016, will provide a snapshot of the field’s current staffing, including job roles, salaries, benefits, and more. Response …

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ASTC welcomes eight new members

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At its most recent meeting, the ASTC Board of Directors has approved eight new organizations for membership. Consistent with ASTC’s Bylaws, all members must be approved for membership by a majority vote of the ASTC Board of Directors. Organizations wishing to apply for membership should consult the Membership section of the ASTC website. Applications for 2023 will be …

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Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards presented for Business Practice, Individual Leadership, and Visitor Experience

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The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) has presented its Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards to three additional member organizations and one individual in three categories. The virtual awards ceremony, which was incorporated into the program for #ASTCvirtual, completes a process that began with the presentation of awards in two other categories—Community Science …

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ASTC members named to Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers List

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The Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers List 2022 includes a number of individuals affiliated with ASTC-member organizations. The list highlights 50 key individuals whose innovation and creativity have been integral to developing today’s museums. As the museum industry continues to reinvent itself, it is not surprising to see so many names familiar to ASTC on the …

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ASTC welcomes four new members

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The ASTC Board of Directors has approved four new organizations for membership: one new Science Center and Museum Member and three new Allied Members. Consistent with ASTC’s Bylaws, all members must be approved for membership by a majority vote of the ASTC Board of Directors. Organizations wishing to apply for membership should consult the Membership section of the …

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ASTC welcomes Lori Bettison-Varga and Sara Schapiro to Board

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The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is pleased to welcome two new members of its Board of Directors, who took up their positions at the conclusion of the ASTC Annual Conference earlier this month. The Board provides direction to the association representing organizations committed to public engagement with science, including a core membership of …

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Seven ASTC members honored with Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards

/ ASTC News & Announcements, Science and Technology Center and Museum Stories / By

Over the last three years, science centers and museums have faced challenges that have sometimes seemed insurmountable. But the ingenuity and creativity alive in these organizations have helped turn those challenges into opportunities. The closing session of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) 2022 Annual Conference highlighted some of the most innovative—and impactful—work …

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With appreciation for CAISE and its many contributions

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The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) has been proud to serve as the host for the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) for the past 15 years. Since it was established in 2007, CAISE has provided essential resources and support to the informal science learning community. Operating under a cooperative agreement …

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ASTC welcomes five new members

/ ASTC News & Announcements / By

At its recent meeting, the ASTC Board of Directors approved five new organizations for membership: three new Science Center and Museums and two new Allied Members. Consistent with ASTC’s Bylaws, all members must be approved for membership by a majority vote of the ASTC Board of Directors. Organizations wishing to apply for membership should consult the Membership …

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Calling all makers! New resources for children and families available

/ Resources & Learning, Science and Technology Center and Museum Stories / By

By engaging in engineering design activities, children have the opportunity to bring together scientific and mathematical concepts to solve real world problems. However, sustaining children’s interest in engineering can be a challenge. Some students lack opportunities to learn about engineering in the first place; a 2010 report found that only 10% of K-12 students were …

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