Although the tools and the outcomes are quite different, each activity involves developing a hypothesis and then collecting and analyzing facts to support or refute that hypothesis. Professional reporters and scientists strive to be as objective as humanly possible. Their goal is to separate fact from fiction. Each profession is evidence-oriented and ultimately accountable to a wide public audience. However, our direct interaction with the public separates science centers from research institutions, schools and universities.
Science centers are in a unique position to communicate with the public all day, every day.
A science center provides a special opportunity for families to engage in discussions about current issues and to enable children develop critical reasoning and other habits of mind essential to learning how to find their way in the world. In a democracy, it is every citizen s right and responsibility to be informed, including being informed about science and technology. As parents, it is important that we inculcate that value, leading by our own example, in our children. Surveys show that the public does want to know more about science and technology. More than half persons recently surveyed by the National Science Foundation indicated that they are interested or very interested in science.