Free-choice learning is a significant contributor to the continued acquisition of scientific knowledge for adults. A majority of the public visits science museums, but these institutions traditionally are not equipped to keep up with the rapid pace of scientific research, nor are they seen as a place to find out the latest information. The Current Science& Technology Center (CS&T) at the Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts, is one experiment to change this situation and engage the public with research as it happens. Opened in 2001, CS&T is an evolving entity that seeks to reach visitors, both real and virtual, by offering opportunities for engagement that address a variety of learning styles.
Chittenden, D., G. Farmelo, and B. V. Lewenstein, eds. 2004. Creating connections: Museums and the public understanding of current research. New York: Alta Mira Press.
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National Science Board. 2002. Science and engineering indicators—2002(NSB-02-1, chapter 7). Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation.
3.
Storksdieck, M., M. C. Jones, J. H. Falk, and C. L. Alpert. 2002. Museum of Science, Boston public understanding of science: A literature review. Annapolis, MD: Institute for Learning Innovation.
