EU-UNAWE has joined the European network for science centres and museums, Ecsite, along with 400 institutions all united by one goal — to make science accessible to the public through interactive exhibits and programmes.
The network will link EU-UNAWE to science communication professionals across 50 countries, in science centres, natural history museums, zoos and aquariums, universities, research organisations and communication companies. Ecsite connects its member institutions through projects and activities, allowing science communicators and educators the chance to exchange ideas and offer advice on how to best tackle current issues.
Ecsite's member institutions attract over 30 million visitors per year with more than 60% under the age of 25 and almost half this group are school students. A recent survey conducted by Ecsite showed that museums and science centres have a huge impact on young people's attitudes towards science and technology and actually increase their likelihood of choosing science as a career. The UNAWE educational playroom introduces children to astronomy concepts in a similar informal learning environment.
The first UNAWE educational playroom was opened in 2011 at the Haus der Astronomie in Heidelberg, Germany. The room is equipped with educational materials, like the carpet which is decorated with Moon craters that can be used for story-telling. With the help of Ecsite, we hope to see more UNAWE rooms opening up for children all around the world.
If you are interested in starting a EU-UNAWE programme or opening an EU-UNAWE room in your science centre or museum, please contact us: russo@strw.leidenuniv.nl
Share:
