ABSTRACT
President Obama has stated his intent to reclaim science as a political and social necessity, and has backed words with action: highlighting scientific issues that impact all of us, appointing prominent scientists to his administration, and using public policy and funding to further scientific studies. These and similar initiatives may provide museums and science educators with increasing opportunities to facilitate meaningful dialogue about science and technology-related issues. The socially sensitive nature of many of these issues and the need for public engagement require public programs to move beyond education to discussion. Centers of informal learning are especially apt institutions to meet these needs and to empower society around science. Science centers and museums have begun to encourage citizens to participate actively in dialogues and debates; and as science blossoms at all levels of U.S. society, this role should only grow.
