When Carnegie Science Center opened two new exhibits in the fall, it was acting on the basic tenets of its own unique mission, to enhance science learning in an atmosphere that encourages independent exploration, and to build relationships with emerging regional industries. Robotics, which opened in October, explores the relationship between people and machines in seven interactive thematic areas. Programming a seven-foot high industrial arm to shoot hoops, or learning about Dante, the Carnegie Mellon University robot, and its mission into the heart of a volcano, demonstrates not only the abilities of robots, but the extent to which humans can control them.
Robotics represents a new entrepreneurial venture for the Science Center in that it will soon begin traveling, and will showcase the achievements of the region as well as those of the Science Center itself. Scheduling discussions are currently taking place with such institutions as the Boston Museum of Science, Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Ontario Science Center, First Place in Manchester, New Hampshire, and Omniplex in Oklahoma City.
SciQuest, which opened in November, addresses the natural phenomena that are beyond human control. To design this exhibit, which was funded by The Grable Foundation, Science Center staff went directly to middle school educators to determine how to best complement students' classroom experiences of scientific principles. An advisory panel examined their own middle school curricula, studied science centers in the United States and Canada, and then selected three themes: Flight, Forces of Nature, and Waves. Teaching about these concepts without showing how they work is often impossible. These topics and the components that illustrate them were chosen not only for their relevance to the classroom, but also for their universal appeal.
The Science Center is also building important relationships with other science centers. In October, the Science Center hosted a conference of 1,600 science center and museum professionals from 40 countries for the Association of Science-Technology Centers. As the world's principal meeting for institutions dedicated to science and technology, the 1996 gathering explored the ways in which science centers can reexamine their community responsibilities while continuing to develop the innovative education strategies recommended in the National Education Standards. The conference not only provided an opportunity to share ideas with fellow educators, but also showcased the region, with tours of the other Carnegie museums, as well as Fallingwater and the Mon Valley Works Steel Mill, in addition to special previews of new Science Center programs.
As the Science Center has grown in its first five years, determining members' needs and responding to them has become a priority. In 1996, there were 21,000 memberships with privileges at the Science Center, which translates into about 73,500 individuals. New memberships totaled 4,852.
These are satisfying figures that will be increased by staying in tune with the needs of the people of the region. For example, in order to promote science education, more classroom space was needed. Five new classrooms were opened on the third level in 1996, with funding from The Grable Foundation, and a former classroom on the first level is now a dedicated computer resource area. Science touches us all. Giving visitors of all ages the tools they need to understand it will enable them to lead successful lives and have a positive impact on this region. That will make a brighter future for everyone.
Carnegie Science Center, so different visually from the other Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, shares with them a common agenda - to make a difference in the lives of its constituents, to improve life in this community and in the global community. While a businesslike attitude at the museums governs use of community dollars, and a new approach to marketing spreads the word about events, exhibitions, Andy Warhol's "happenings," or what else is going on, the basic goal is fundamental. The numbers tell us that crowds are coming to all the museums and participating in the outreach programs, but the real good each museum does happens one person at a time.