Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center will expand its successful Portal to the Public National Network (PopNet) outreach strategy of connecting museum educators with research scientists to create programming that increases visitors' awareness, understanding and appreciation of current science research in their communities. The Portal to the Public Guiding Framework, developed with a grant from the National Science Foundation, provided the opportunity to connect staff at eight centers with research scientists, fostering both professional development and the creation of public programs. IMLS funding will allow for the expansion of the Portal to the Public Guiding Framework to 15 diverse informal science education centers across the country. Training will be provided to scientists and to staff at the 15 sites, and a Web community will be developed to support sharing of experiences and resources. The participating museums aim to become community hubs that connect citizens with current local research and facilitate experiences that bring scientists and their neighbors together.