The role of science centres

 

Worldwide, science centres are recognized as one of the most cost effective ways of strengthening the science culture. They achieve this by:

  • Demystifying science and technology and making it more accessible to the general public

  • Providing support for curriculum-based teaching of science and technology

  • Empowering teachers by introducing them to more effective methods of teaching science, maths and technology

  • Encouraging debate about science and technology issues

  • Mentoring learners on careers in science and technology

  • Nurturing creativity and innovation

 

What do science centres do?

Science centres stimulate curiosity, develop inquiring minds and expose children and adults to new experiences. They help people to cope with the rapidly changing technological environment, and empower them by improving their life skills. They also complement the school curriculum and train science multipliers, such as teachers, teacher-trainers and parents.

 

Impact of science centres

Science centres have been shown to:

  • Improve performance in science and mathematics at the lower and higher grades at school

  • Encourage learners to follow higher grade studies so that they can study science and technology at university

  • Ensure that more learners follow careers in science and technology

  • Increase the likelihood that science and technology issues enter the mainstream of society

  • Encourage the youth to take up hobbies, and read books, related to science and technology

 

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