But the center’s mission is more than that, Potochnik said.
“We’re really interested in thinking broadly about how science, especially science at academic institutions like the University of Cincinnati, connects with public life,“ she said.
“Part of it is trying to give the public an opportunity to learn about and gain access to science. But part of it is also making the science more responsive to public interests.“
Potochnik was joined on the show by Brian Pollock, manager of STEM resources for the Cincinnati Museum Center, and Adjunct Professor Andrew Bernier, manager of education and research for Cincinnati Parks.
Bernier teaches STEM and sustainability education in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. He said trust in science begins early in life. Cincinnati Parks hosts summer camps and field trips to make science fun.
“Step one for building trust in science is finding joy in science,“ Bernier said.
Cincinnati Parks also offers facilitated hikes for seniors and offeres programs at senior centers.
“We do a ton of field trips and guided hikes,“ he said. “We also have a lot of public signage to talk about natural history and social history of the parks.“
Listen to the Cincinnati Edition episode.
Featured image at top: Students take part in a scavenger hunt in the Dinosaur Hall at the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Museum of Natural History and Science. Photo/PEWS
Source: www.uc.edu
