Why an Interactive / Hands-on Center? 

InfoAge Scientists: 

and more....

This is due partly to increased interest in science and technology, but mainly because science centers offer enjoyable learning and fun family leisure-time experiences.  Many older existing museums are re-developing their image from dusty glass display cases to fun and educational interactive / hands-on centers.  All persons, especially school age children, learn most effectively when multiple senses are involved and they have a level of control of their experience.  According to the Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) more Americans visit science centers each year than all the major professional sports combined. 

Using information presentation based upon the methods available in Internet technology combined with current collection presentation methods each visitor will find easy to use information stations near exhibits.  This will allow each visitor to create a personalized tour simply by making choices among the available information.  As many aspects and views of each area of interest will be made available so a wide-range and variable depth of information is available for choice.  Learning tracks of varying levels will be available to suit the needs of the novice adult, primary student, high school student, college student and expert adult.  Hands-on exhibits, workshops and presentations will be employed as appropriate to each area.  This will keep visitors returning again and again at different times and ages to experience the information available.   The amount of information available to a visitor will not be limited to the physical space of the display area, but will be limitless through uses of information stations and Internet like technology.  To accommodate specialized visitor groups these same information stations will have group tour tracks available for the group to follow. 

Our children and we need to see and understand what is behind the everyday devices that shape our lives.  We use computers, telephones, video players, radios etc. and what makes them work is exciting.  Especially exciting and educational when presented using interactive / hands-on exhibits.  Everyday newspapers and magazines tell us about the exciting "Internet" and the changes it is bringing to social interaction and commerce.  We can show our children the advantages of this technology.  Behind the current technology of each area is the history of the individuals who innovated and advanced the technology.