Mathematics Activities in Science Museums Report

The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), with funding support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), sponsored a study to ascertain the current status of mathematics in science centers and museums. The charge was to document examples of mathematics exhibits, programs, publications, and workshops in five case-study sites. In part the goal was the determine the feasibility of a mathematics initiative for science centers and their client schools.

A confluence of factors provided the impetus for the study. First came the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), in which the mathematics scores for students in the United States dropped progressively from 4th grade to 8th grade and then finally finished near bottom in the 12th grade.

Second, the YouthALIVE! program sponsored a two-day meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, following the 1998 ASTC annual conference for science-center professionals interested in mathematics. At the conclusion of the sessions, participants recommended further efforts in elevating the presence of mathematics in science centers.

Finally, there was an increased interested on the part of governmental agencies, such as NSF, to find ways to improve mathematics achievement and a willingness to support efforts toward that end.