What is informal science education?
Informal science education supports people of all ages and walks of life in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Scientists should expand their participation in informal science education by engaging with the public "in science-related dialogue that considers the complex ethical and moral questions arising from new discoveries." That was the message delivered by Tiffany Lohwater, manager of the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology, during a session at the annual meeting of the American Association of Museums (AAM) in Philadelphia in early May.
The session highlighted the CAISE Inquiry Group report Many Experts, Many Audiences: Public Engagement with Science, which was released in March. Lohwater co-chaired the group, with Larry Bell of the Museum of Science, Boston.
The AAAS program Lohwater manages was profiled in an article by Paul Basken in the June 1 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Often Distant From Policy Making, Scientists Try to Find a Public Voice."
For more about the AAM session, visit the AAAS website.