What makes a successful outreach program? An outline of the Shell Questacon Science Circus

摘要

Australia's rural population has little access to science centres. Furthermore, science teachers in remote regions often lack opportunities for professional development. Ahead of world calls for increased popularisation of science and technology as well as more relevant classroom teaching, an outreach program of Questacon - Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, has been in place for 15 years, reaching out to disadvantaged populations. The program is unique in that it combines outreach with an academic program at the Australian National University. Evaluations indicate that this program, on a number of measures, is highly successful. [References: 6]