|
June 18, 2007 Fort
Lauderdale – Kim L. Cavendish, President/CEO of the Museum of
Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, was recently the guest
of the Peoples' Republic of China as a featured speaker at the
China-U.S. Science Popularization Forum, hosted by the Chinese
Ministry of Science and Technology. The forum, held in Shanghai
during May 23-25, 2007, was co-hosted by the China Science and
Technology Exchange Center and the U.S. National Science
Foundation.
Cavendish was one of six U.S. delegates invited to the Forum,
attended by hundreds of Chinese scientists, researchers,
government officials and museum leaders from throughout the
People’s Republic. The Forum focused on science and technology
dissemination and public scientific literacy. Cavendish was the
sole representative of U.S. science museums, and addressed the
group on The Role and Function of Science Centers in the U.S.
in Science and Technology Literacy. Other U.S. delegates made
presentations on such subjects as the evaluation of public
science literacy, and the growing importance of citizens’
science experiments. The Forum featured formal presentations by
the U.S. delegates, Chinese officials and scientists, smaller
discussion groups, tours of several Chinese museum facilities,
and several social events graciously and elaborately hosted by
the Chinese representatives.
Cavendish praised the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum as
one of the most advanced and beautiful she had ever experienced.
Cavendish commented, "The Chinese take the issue of public
science literacy very seriously and are making it a priority of
the Chinese people to doing everything they can to advance it.
The government there understands that science centers have a
major role to play in this effort and it is investing major
funds in building state of the art science museums in the major
cities, and smaller science centers in outlying areas. They know
that schools cannot do the job alone."
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide
experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for
children and adults through exhibits, programs and films.
Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility
serves approximately 400,000 visitors annually. Major
operational support for the Museum is provided through generous
support by Leadership Guild members including: City Furniture,
JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and Wachovia.
The Museum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday
through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to
6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on Friday and Saturday
evenings. General Admission prices are $15 for adults; $14 for
seniors; $12 for children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are free. A
General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum
exhibits and one classic IMAX film. The Museum of Discovery and
Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the
Museum, visitors should call 954.467.MODS (6637).
Photo Caption: Kim L. Cavendish, President/CEO of the Museum of
Discovery and Science was recently a featured speaker at the
China-U.S. Science Popularization Forum held in Shanghai May
23-25, 2007.
Back to
press release index |
