Science Education in Cyberspace: Science Centres on the Web

Traditional offerings have included various physical displays, walk throughs and hands-on exhibits with the usual restriction of space and hours of opening. With the advent of the Web and the rapid evolution of free or low cost multimedia capable browsers, many Centres have moved part of their offerings into Cyberspace. These Centres now offer a growing range of educational and "hands-on" learning materials to a global audience.

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre is located in Canberra (Australia's National Capital) and since it creation in the late 80's has had a specific mission to encourage a hands-on, interactive approach to Science and Technology Education. In May 1995 it launched its Web site. As well as the usual virtual tours of its physical galleries and the ability to book on-site tours it is moving to provide a range of online, interactive learning experiences. (Link and demonstate)

The features of some other Centres are also reviewed and a home page linking over 80 Centres around the world is cited (Link and demonstrate). Teachers and instructors will find these various sites a useful source of ideas in terms of both instructional design and/or content. This applies to both now and in the immediate future as many Centres intend to invest considerable energy and resources into their new Web sites.