In today’s ‘post-truth’ knowledge economy, information is not only on speed dial, but is dialling you. Access to news and (mis)information is instantaneous. The ability to critically evaluate the relevance, accuracy and utility of information from many diverse sources is rapidly becoming a powerful currency, especially given limited time to fact-check and the changing nature of ‘experts’.

This is the world from which we cannot buffer children, but for which we must equip them with the mindset, skills and tenacity to thrive. This starts early in life. And it starts with play.

When an individual’s curiosity is the basis of their learning and understanding of how the world works (SCIENCE!), they will be continuously challenging and revising their beliefs to fit the evidence of their own investigations. Thus, encouraging play in a science centre, museum or public space helps develop individual’s confidence and trust in “this glorious way of knowing we call science.”

Adam and Kirsti will provide examples of learning through play experiences that promote higher understanding and spark participants’ curiosity. They will showcase areas where individuals’ assumptions are challenged, and how they may comfortably accommodate changing their ideas to fit new, more comprehensive information. These types of experiences in science centres, museums and galleries can better prepare visitors to accept science as a self-correcting way of knowing, and that even long-accepted facts may continuously be challenged.

 

Presenter

Kirsti Abbott, Program Leader – UNE Discovery, University of New England

Adam Selinger, Executive Director, Children’s Discovery Museum Ltd

 

When: Tuesday 18th February, 2:00pm-3:30pm

Where: Room G01, Learning and Teaching Building, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton
Hashtag: TBC