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Public engagement resources for the Monday April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
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Association of Children's Museums (ACM) Interactivity 2019

ACM logo

Date

-
Denver, CO

More Information:

  • Theme: FearLESS

With sessions that challenge and inspire us to think boldly about the work we do, to question norms and assumed barriers, to take strategic risks in exhibit, program and business development, and to think broadly about our role in our communities; challenging us to go from a field...to a force.


NISE Network Partner Breakfast

Please join us for a free breakfast and an update on NISE Network opportunities and conversation with fellow network members; no need to RSVP

  • Saturday, May 11,
    7:30am-8:45am 
    (Colorado Mountain time)
    Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center 
    NEW LOCATION: Centennial Ballroom F
    650 15th Street Denver, CO 80202

 

Please note NISE Network will also have two tables at: 

ACM Networking Breakfast, Thursday, May 9th, 8 am-9:15am


Marketplace - Exhibit Hall

The NISE Network will have a booth in the exhibit hall featuring the information and activities.

Booth #7

 


Concurrent Sessions

  • Thursday, May 9, 2019, 12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
    Creating Fun and Guiding Learning: Techniques for Excellent Facilitation
    This hands-on session will focus on practices that museum staff and volunteers can use to create safe, fun, and positive programming for all guests. Presenters will share training techniques that build facilitation skills for hands-on science, making, and STEAM activities. Attendees will break into small groups to practice skills and share their own experiences. The session will provide an introduction to key practices for those early in their career and useful tools and refreshers for those with more experience. Attendees will receive ready-to-use resources (printed and online) that can be used for staff and volunteer training.
    • Rae Ostman, PhD, Arizona State University
    • Brad Herring, Museum of Life + Science
    • Ali Jackson, Sciencenter
    • Chip Lindsey, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
    • Download Slides (PPTX)

 

  • Thursday, May 9, 2019, 12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
    Fear Less! Bringing Chemists and Chemistry Experiments into Your Museum

    Bringing chemistry into your museum is a great way to get families with young children involved with hands-on science—it can be inspiring, fun, and messy, allowing children and caregivers to actively participate together in the scientific process. But chemistry can also bring up lots of issues about safety, anxieties, negative feelings about chemicals, concerns about materials preparation, storage and disposal, special equipment, and the need for training and expertise. Presenters share their experiences about their implementation of safe, fun, and successful chemistry hands-on programs designed for families with young children!
    • Catherine McCarthy, PhD, Science Museum of Minnesota
    • Barb McMillin, The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
    • Gini Philipp, WOW! Children’s Museum
    • Frank Kusiak, The Lawrence Hall of Science
    • Download Slides (PDF)
    • Download Slides (PPTX)

 

  • Friday, May 10, 2019, 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
    Visitor Safety for Programs, Events, and Demonstrations

    Let’s talk about safety protocols that museum professionals can use in the preparation and implementation of programs for the public. We will be looking at safety topics for working with hands-on activities, running chemistry demonstrations, and preparing for large-scale events. Some specific areas covered will be crowd control and managing school groups. After short presentations, the session will conclude with attendees role-playing responses to public program safety situations dreamed up by the presenters.
    • Darrell Porcello, PhD, Children’s Creativity Museum (moderator)
    • Cheryl McCallum, EdD, Children’s Museum of Houston
    • David Sittenfeld, Museum of Science, Boston
    • Phil Rechek, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
    • Jon Handwork, Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
    • Download Slides (PDF)

 

  • Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
    When Should We Use Technology with Visitors and How Much?
    Technology is all around us, but when should we use it in our museums? What does the research show about technology use in families with young children and why do some museums specifically not use technology on their floors? And are there fun and effective technology choices that won’t break our budgets? In this session, researchers will summarize the latest findings while museum professionals from a national network of children’s museums and science centers will discuss museum policies, successful strategies, and tested examples of technology-driven experiences for visitors. Bring your questions but please silence your phones.
    • Darrell Porcello, PhD, Children’s Creativity Museum (moderator)
    • Scott Burg, Rockman et al
    • Ali Jackson, Sciencenter
    • Carol Tang, PhD, Children’s Creativity Museum
    • Download Slides (PDF)

 

Attached Files