Museums
and science centers can play a critical role in sparking life-long
interest in and understanding of science, engineering, and technology.
They offer a non-threatening, friendly environment where adults and
students can explore without fear of being wrong, or admitting what they
don't know.
Many museums have broad, updated resources that some schools do not have.
They often also offer informal, interactive activities that complement
local course curriculum. By helping the public investigate the natural
world and explore why and how the human-made world works, science
centers museums can also help equip young people -- and adults -- with
the skills they need to live, work, and innovate in the 21st century.
Some museums and
science centers also offer weekend or
summer programs for precollege students, and some also offer programs
for teachers, including lesson plans and activities for use in the
classroom. Many offer hands on experiences for exploring science,
mathematics, engineering, computing, healthcare, and medicine or health
applications.