Space Sciences for everyone: Tailored Engagement in Education

Presentation theme: educational advances in planetariums

Carl Sagan once lamented, »Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact.« His words echo in our society, which he observed as »(…) exquisitely dependent on science and technology, [but] in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology«. 

In my presentation I will show the audience how we address our main purpose: to help kids and teens sustain their curiosity and excitement for science throughout their lives and to rekindle the amazement that might be dormant in adults, so as to contribute to foster scientific literacy, critical thinking, and a skeptical approach to information. 

I will showcase our strategy in crafting a non-formal educational program that accommodates everyone at every life stage. I will discuss how theme and target group oriented events advance and shape the educational purpose of a planetarium that welcomes around 400.000 visitors yearly, with nearly twothirds under twenty. Our activities span all ages and our offerings include, among many others, full-dome shows, courses, guided visits, scientific conferences, events exclusively targeted at young women, and a community called »The Cosmos Club« for ages 15 to 20. I will highlight the pivotal role that live presentations play particularly in school visits, and describe how tailored interactions significantly enhance audience engagement and retention rates within specific activities and among distinct groups. 

I look forward to seeing you at the talk—let's make science an adventure worth embarking on!