Evaluation on Science Centers and Effects in the Context of Science-Society Relations

Science centers which make significant contributions to the construction of information society began to become widespread in 1960-1970s. Science centers aims to popularize science for all segments of society through exhibitions and practices aimed at children, youth and adults. On the other hand, they make significant contributions to the formation of a society which is integrated with the world by closely following scientific and technological developments. While science centers create an effective out-of-school environment for students, they help to promote both teachers? teaching skills and their motivation to teach. They also fulfill the function of introducing teachers and students to the concept of lifelong learning which is important for information society. This study, in which the qualitative method is preferred and the data obtained from the relevant literature is evaluated, aims to evaluate the impacts of science (technology) centers in the process of becoming an information society in the context of science-society relations since the 1900s. In this context, this study aims to reveal the scientific centers of historical development in the world and in Turkey, classification, science-society relationship to the contribution of science centers obtained in the reflection and the results of the academic studies on informal education in terms of individual and social impacts. In the context of organizing and maintaining science-society relations in the information society, the demand for science centers has increased. These centers, which are visited by visitors of all ages and professions for a variety of purposes, continue to be centers of attraction as thematic and interactive centers, increasingly covering different areas