Video cameras in hand, members of the YouTube online community will converge at the Ontario Science Centre, August 8-9, for “888torontomeetup,” a massive party for fans and participants of the three-year-old video-sharing platform. Over 550 people have already registered, some from as far away as Argentina and South Africa. Activities will include bottle rockets, an open mic for acoustic performers, solar observing, and videotaping opportunities.

Meetups are a growing phenomenon among YouTubers. Small gatherings have been cropping up, but larger events, such as last year’s 777 (July 7, 2007) at New York City’s Washington Square Park, have attracted hundreds of participants. Members who have come to know each other via video get to meet in person, many for the first time.

This type of collaboration and innovation is part of the Ontario Science Centre’s philosophy of extending its reach to a broader audience. Through podcasts, polls, and science updates on www.redshiftnow.ca, as well as videos on YouTube and Yahoo, the Science Centre has been helping the public engage with scientists, learn about issues of the day, and participate in discussion and debate.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/888torontomeetup for details.

As the Moon’s shadow fell over the Xinjiang Province in northwestern China today, an eclipse expedition team from the Exploratorium, the center’s fifth since 1998, stood ready to webcast the total solar eclipse live to the world. Four cutting-edge telescopes were used to provide live feeds of the eclipse, and Exporatorium scientists Rob Semper and Paul Doherty provided commentary on prominences, sunspots, and the corona as they occured.

Back in San Francisco, visitors were invited to an overnight viewing party with solar science activities and traditional Chinese performances leading up to the live broadcast at 3:30 a.m. local time. A virtual viewing party, complete with interactive exhibits and music, was held on Exploratorium Island in Second Life.

To watch replays of the webcast or read dispatches from the expedition team, visit http://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse/2008/.

The Noyce Leadership Institute’s first cohort of Fellows—17 chief executives from science centers worldwide—recently gathered in Seattle for a week-long session beginning the nine-month program of face-to-face sessions, coaching, video conferencing, and peer learning. The Institute was founded in partnership with ASTC to immerse both existing and aspiring executives in cutting-edge knowledge and tools, promising practices, and professional networks, with an eye to increasing their capacity to lead effectively and have a greater impact in their communities. Over the long term, the Institute aims to strengthen the impact of science centers as innovative educational hubs.

Primary funding for the Institute comes from the Noyce Foundation, with additional support from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Additional programs for chief executives and others who aspire to leadership roles in science centers are being planned. More information and an opportunity to meet with Noyce Leadership Institute representatives will be available at the ASTC Annual Conference in Philadelphia in October.

Photo by Chee-kuen Yip, Macao Science Centre

On June 25, members of the U.S. Congress and Congressional staff had a taste of hands-on science during a reception organized by the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), an alliance of over 100 organizations united by a concern for the future vitality of the U.S. science, mathematics, and engineering enterprise.

ASTC was among the more than 30 groups participating in the reception, “The Path to Innovation: Scientific Discovery and Learning,” which showcased research and education projects supported by NSF. Staff were on hand to demonstrate the work of NISE Net, the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, and Astronomy From the Ground Up, a professional development program for informal astronomy educators. Hands-on activities included “Exploring Forces,” where guests could fill a tiny teacup with water and turn it over to see how the surface tension over such a small area prevents the water from spilling out; and “Worlds in Comparison,” where three pounds of modeling clay is divided to create scale replicas of the planets in our solar system.

Jennifer Corriero, co-founder of TakingITGlobal (TIG)—an online, international community of young activists—will deliver the first keynote address of the 5th Science Centre World Congress (5SCWC) in Toronto on Monday, June 16.

In her presentation, entitled “The Role of Science Centres in Building the Future,” Corriero will examine how science centers can connect with young people who are working for positive global change. She will discuss her own experiences as a student at the Ontario Science Centre Science School, as well as the work TIG is doing to inspire, inform, and involve young people in local and global issues. Three TIG leaders in Egypt, Argentina, and China will join Corriero in the discussion via webcast.

TIG’s work has led to online and on-the-ground programs that address social issues in dozens of countries. The community currently focuses on climate change, HIV/AIDS, the digital divide, and the UN Millennium Development Goals, which target health, education, development, gender equity, poverty, and the environment.

Summaries of all the keynote presentations and plenary sessions will be available at the 5SCWC web site shortly after the World Congress ends on June 20.