Alpert Carol Lynn
Strategic Projects Group, Museum of Science, One Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099, USA.
Integr Comp Biol. 2018 Jul 1;58(1):85-93. doi: 10.1093/icb/icy008.
Scientists can reap personal rewards through collaborations with science and natural history museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquaria, parks, and nature preserves, and, while doing so, help to advance science literacy and broaden participation in the natural sciences. Beyond volunteer opportunities, which allow scientists to contribute their knowledge and passion within the context of existing programs and activities, there are also opportunities for scientists to bring their knowledge and resources to the design and implementation of new learning experiences for visitors to these informal science learning organizations (ISLOs). Well-designed education outreach plans that leverage the expertise and broad audiences of ISLOs can also enhance the prospects of research grant proposals made to agencies such as National Science Foundation, which encourage researchers to pay careful attention to the broader impacts of their research as well as its intellectual merit. Few scientists, however, have had the opportunity to become familiar with the pedagogy and design of informal or "free-choice" science learning, and fewer still know how to go about the process of collaborating with ISLOs in developing and implementing effective programs, exhibits, and other learning experiences. This article, written by an experienced science museum professional, provides guidance for individual scientists and research groups interested in pursuing effective education outreach collaborations with science museums and other ISLOs. When prospective partners begin discussions early in the proposal development process, they increase the likelihood of successful outcomes in funding, implementation, and impact. A strategic planning worksheet is provided, along with a carefully-selected set of further resources to guide the design and planning of informal science learning experiences.
科学家可以通过与科学和自然历史博物馆、动物园、植物园、水族馆、公园及自然保护区合作获得个人回报，同时有助于提高科学素养并扩大自然科学领域的参与度。除了志愿者机会（让科学家在现有项目和活动中贡献知识与热情）之外，科学家还有机会将自身知识和资源用于为这些非正式科学学习机构（ISLO）的参观者设计和实施新的学习体验。精心设计的教育推广计划若能利用ISLO的专业知识和广泛受众，也可提升向美国国家科学基金会等机构提交的研究资助申请的获批前景，这些机构鼓励研究人员既要关注研究的学术价值，也要重视其更广泛的影响。然而，很少有科学家有机会熟悉非正式或“自主选择”的科学学习的教学方法和设计，更少有人知道如何在开发和实施有效项目、展览及其他学习体验时与ISLO展开合作。本文由一位经验丰富的科学博物馆专业人士撰写，为有意与科学博物馆及其他ISLO开展有效教育推广合作的科学家个人和研究团队提供指导。当潜在合作伙伴在提案制定过程早期就开始讨论时，他们在资金、实施和影响方面取得成功结果的可能性就会增加。本文提供了一份战略规划工作表，以及一组精心挑选的更多资源，以指导非正式科学学习体验的设计和规划。
