It’s easy to say that science literacy is an integral part of our continued growth and society in the United States (and in most developed countries such as Canada, the UK, France, and Japan). A great deal of time, effort, and money is being poured into the public school system in an effort to increase science learning and understanding in children. This science literacy is important, because we are surrounded by science (and its close relatives technology, engineering, and mathematics) on a daily basis from the most mundane activities (i.e. making a phone call) to extraordinary occurrences (i.e. the NASA space program shuttle launches), to life saving research (i.e. breast cancer research). Many important science endeavors, such as the space program and medical research, rely on funding from policy makers who are not themselves scientists, so making sure that people (in general) have a solid understanding of science, both basic principles and modern applications, becomes even more important. However, the average college educated individual only spends about 3% of their lives in formal education (Falk & Dierking, 2002). One way adults out of formal education use science centers/museums is to learn about science issues (Rennie & Williams, 2006).
Science centers and museums (collectively referred to here as “museums”) can provide excellent space and resources for the presentation of concepts to a highly variable audience. Science centers work to enhance visitor understanding/awareness of science (Rennie & Williams, 2002). Museums are popular destinations for families during vacations and other breaks, and according to the sign outside of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR, people spend more money annually visiting museums than on sporting events. These institutions are an excellent venue for engaging visitors in basic scientific concepts and applications, but difficult and/or controversial science can be more problematic. Science centers provide space for providing information on controversial/difficult science concepts in an impartial manner (Pedretti, 2004; Spiegel et al., 2006).
Evolution is one such concept, being both controversial and difficult. This problem is especially prevalent in the United States, where “[in] spite of the nearly universal agreement by scientists on the fundamental principles underlying evolution, between one-third and one-half of Americans think that the theory of evolution is not well-supported by evidence” (Spiegel, Evans, Gram, & Diamond, 2006). Despite the difficulty and controversy, however, there are a growing number of museums that are including exhibits and exhibitions on evolution, or some aspect of evolution. The National Museum of Natural History opened the Hall of Human Origins in early 2010 (http://humanorigins.si.edu/), the Texas Natural Museum’s fourth floor is given over entirely to evolution on various scales, from HIV to whales and humans (http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/exhibits/hall-4/), the San Diego Natural History Museum had a temporary exhibit dedicated to Darwin and evolution from November 2009 to February 2010 (http://www.sdnhm.org/exhibits/darwin/), and the University of Nebraska State Museum is running a partnership with several other museums to promote their Explore Evolution program (http://explore-evolution.unl.edu/partners.html) just to name a few.
My research will focus on institutions such as these, and will use a multiple case study approach to better understand how museums develop exhibitions on controversial/difficult science, how visitors engage with these types of exhibitions, and what visitors take away from their experience. This will hopefully help more institutions develop engaging and useful exhibits on science issues that are important to our national growth and well-being.
Works Cited
Falk, J. H., & Dierking, L. D. (2002). Lessons without limit: How free-choice learning is transforming education. Altamira Pr.
Pedretti, E. G. (2004). Perspectives on learning through research on critical issues-based science center exhibitions. Science Education, 88(S1), S34–S47.
Rennie, L. J., & Williams, G. F. (2002). Science centers and scientific literacy: Promoting a relationship with science. Science education, 86(5), 706–726.
Rennie, L. J., & Williams, G. F. (2006). Adults’ Learning about Science in Free-choice Settings. International journal of science education, 28(8), 871–893.
Spiegel, A. N., Evans, M. E., Gram, W., & Diamond, J. (2006). Museum visitors’ understanding of evolution. Museums & Social Issues, 1(1), 69–86.
I think the introduction of these centers is a great idea. Even a basic understanding of evolutionary theory provides someone with the context in which to evaluate all biological phenomena.
ReplyDeleteWhich key components of evolution would make the most interesting and easily comprehensible exhibits?
I think certainly Darwin's theory of Natural Selection and his voyage on the H.M.S Beagle.
Natural Selection as it is a fundamental evolutionary principle that is still upheld by today, despite the passing of over a century of further research and discovery. The voyage, not only due to its romantic qualities, but because it presents the fact that Darwin's ideas were based upon first hand observations of living populations in their natural habitat, rather than being forged from years of studying fossils of extinct species. This clearly indicates that evolution is very much an ongoing process, that we can witness in our lifetime, rather than the misconception that it is some incredibly slow mythical process. To expand on this, case studies such as Grant and Grant's work on the Galapagos finches, and the results of selection imposed upon Florida bugs by a change in fruit size could be included.
Would it also be necessary to exhibit evidence for arguments against Creationist theories? For example, that which opposes the idea of Irreducible Complexity? Hopefully, well constructed pieces could speak for themselves in that respect.
This is a great topic. Although other places you should look into is about my home, Hawai'i. The Bishop Museum is a great exhibition that displays Hawai'is natural science section over the past century.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bishopmuseum.org/exhibits/onexhibit.html
There is also a great deal of fruit fly evolution on the Big Island. Here is a link that talks about the sexual selection for the most attractive type of flies this biologist talks about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-r_YhATOYA. Since there is so much growth and development going on in front of our eyes in Hawai'i this will be another great topic to state. There are active volcanoes on the Big Island and as well as the geographical location of the tectonic plates. I was apart of a very popular cultural museum at the Hualalai Four Seasons Resort and a lot of community colleges and Universities came into the cultural center there to tour and learn about the history and culture of Hawai'i. As well as the tourists that stayed at the resort, residents are welcome to explore as well. There is always great feedback to any type of museum, big or small, as long as it continues the history and evolution of how we have evolved from the beginning of human settlement whereever there has been life. Think about talking more about Hawai'i, the 50th state, and not just the mainland. You will find a lot of great places there.
I think that this is an incredibly important area of study. There are so many children growing up now that never get a background in evolution at all. I was one of those kids until attending college at OSU. I have always agreed with the theory of evolution, even before coming to college, probably because both of my parents have intensive science backgrounds. However, growing up in a small town many of my middle and high school science teachers told parents that they refused to teach evolution in response to religious beliefs (and many parents agreed with this idea), or were just afraid of any outcry the parents might have later on if they found out their children were being taught evolution. Because of this, I have always felt strongly about other outside sources such as science centers and museums helping children and adults alike understand and fully comprehend the theory of evolution, especially if the schools in the area refuse to teach the subject.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in seeing how many of the science centers and museums make exhibits about this area of study, because I don’t believe I have been to a single museum with a separate exhibit devoted entirely to an evolutionary concept. I have a feeling that many museums may end up succumbing to giving the people “what they want” and making the exhibit a little over-zealous and possibly (but hopefully not), giving examples of evolution happening in real life that haven’t necessarily been proven yet. For example, many museums do this with dinosaur exhibits, and any other exhibit involving fossilized remnants of an animal; they may pass off a scientist’s hypothesized idea about an animal as fact, just to make more money by attracting people to the exhibit. Hopefully this won’t happen when more museums start to have evolution exhibits of their own, but it is an occurrence that seems to happen frequently in our modern day world.
I am so glad to see exhibits on evolution spreading through our museums; it seems to me such an exhibit would be a desirable addition to every museum of natural history or history of science. Unfortunately, I think that climate change is following the "model" established by evolution; it has become a political and not just a scientific debate. Considering the poor job we (those of us in the scientific community) have done with convincing the rest of America about the validity of evolution, perhaps we will change our approach regarding getting the message out on climate change; the potential consequences of our not winning the minds of Americans (and the rest of the world) over are frightening.
ReplyDeleteThe question I have about educational exhibits on controversial topics is this: is there any way to reach the minds of those who walk through the door with their minds already made up? Given enough time I hope we can reach enough children to slowly make inroads on the population in that way, but I am really skeptical that the minds of the opposed are going to be changed by anything, no matter the quality of the exhibit or the science. Being a person who has never believed in anything but evolution (or climate change) I can't claim that I understand what process is involved when people change their minds about a big issue like evolution; perhaps the best we can hope for is that exhibits like this will somehow plant little tiny seeds of thought that may result in a change of mind months or years down the road.
I find it exciting to think that more people at young ages are being exposed to evolution. The only question I ask is: Are museums holding back, and trying to reconcile with religion or actually presenting the theory in its entirety? I would hope the latter, but progress takes time.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad when I think that a lot of people try to make life so simple. I find it too boring and insulting to think that we are what we are, and thats the end of the story. The intricate beauty of life is nothing but alive in its complexities. So go progress.
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ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting topic Laia! I definitely happy to hear that more money is being put into the development of science programs in our schools as it is important to know how are world works! Not only that but I think that science is vital in education in order to understand thinking processes as well as make advancements in medicine and technology. I'm also glad to hear that evolutionary exhibits are becoming more prevalent in our museums. There are still so many people out there who don't believe in it and I think it's more so because they don't know anything about it. I also really enjoyed JB's question: "Is there any way to reach the minds of those who walk through the door with their minds already made up?" I think that is an extremely tricky situation. There is always going to be skepticism and people who are too stubborn to change there minds even when the evidence is laid out clearly in front of them. All we can do is spread the knowledge and hope it reaches as many people as possible! That's why its great to hear the efforts that are currently being made! Thanks for your post Laia!
ReplyDelete-Lauren Wolf
This post caught my interest when you mentioned that the Darwin exhibit at the San Diego Natural History museum had a temporary exhibit dedicated to Darwin and evolution for a brief time period. It bothers me to understand that this exhibit was only temporary. I called the museum and asked why it was only temporary and was told (as I could’ve guessed) that they constantly rotate through a wide variety of exhibits and this particular one was made available because it was celebrating Darwin’s 200th anniversary of his birth and the 150th anniversary of the publishing of On the Origin of Species. I asked if it was too controversial and the gentlemen from exhibits simply said there was no controversy but it was just temporary and on the rotation. I find this very hard to believe. This exhibit must be popular if it is constantly visiting international museums for years, perhaps decades… but I am still stuck with why aren’t any of them permanent? Darwin200, which was allegedly a national program of events that celebrated Darwin during 2009, in correlation with the 200th anniversary of his birth and 150th anniversary of his publication had too many events to list as you can on this link “ http://darwin-online.org.uk/2009.html “. All of these seem to be temporary. Perhaps that is in accordance with it being a special year for the anniversaries and such but even then, how can none of these exhibits be permanent??? It strikes a nerve to think that an exhibit playing such a huge role in our understanding of the history of life on earth is only temporary.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Southern California, I have been to many science museums and aquariums. I have also volunteered for many facilities. As a marine biology major, I am aware that most of the public gains their knowledge about the ocean from “museums” since marine biology/oceanography are not topics specifically taught in most schools. I agree that teaching evolution is hard in a museum setting. I think it needs to be taught in sections, otherwise it could be overwhelming. I think the controversy of people excepting evolution, is less about populations changing over time, and more the origins of life. This is often due to people either needing concrete facts and evidence, or conflictions with religion. When studying evolution in high school biology, my teacher prefaced the topic with saying, “I don’t care whether or not you except any of these theories as truth, but you need to know it for your test.” I think the public can appreciate a similar prospective. It won’t hurt to inform the public of evolutionary knowledge that science has exposed, and it can be left up to the individual if they accept it as truth.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic. I was raised in a science-oriented family in the midst of a large Christian community. I had never sat myself down to think why I believed what I did or why I disregarded other viewpoints on the topic of evolution. I had never read or learned about any aspect of evolution until I attended OSU; my mind was set. I think incorporating evolution into the science programs in museums is a phenomenal idea. Education should not discredit any belief system; knowledge only makes it stronger and challenges young people to have their own opinion on the matter. I followed my parents footsteps even though I had the choice. I think findings in evolutionary biology should be shared amongst students and people across the world not to disprove anything but to widen the realm of knowledge available to those who may not have access to scientific information. There is strong evidence for evolution; you can choose to use it or not. Research should be presented regardless of controversy.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that there is a strong disconnect between those who are aware of important science concepts and close minded individuals who just believe what they want without any drive to discover reality. Museums are an important bridge to science literacy for those who are unaware of these concepts. You mentioned that people spend more money annually visiting museums than on sporting events. I found this very surprising and to be honest I am doubtful that this is true. I absolutely love going to museums but looking back on my life I know I have spent way more going to sporting events than museums. I don’t even have that great of an interest in sports but it’s what most of my friends like doing so I kind of have no choice. I believe much of America is this way. Our culture is centered around things that don’t matter, like football. We are influenced to think a certain way from the way we were raised and who we associate with on a daily basis. Those who are educated on scientific concepts are the minority. The theory of evolution is a very involved concept and is not easily explained to someone little to no background in science. It cannot be explained simply to someone without much skepticism. What a bizarre thing it really is that every living thing on this planet has the same single ancestor. I thought it was crazy nonsense the first time I heard it. This will be a hard pressed concept to get into the minds of those who are unaware.
ReplyDeleteI am curious of what other areas of interest you will be studying that falls under the category of controversial/difficult science besides biological evolution? Are there museums that have exhibits explaining the big bang theory or global climate change? I see great importance in your research and I would love to hear more. Thanks for your post
I completely agree with the idea that the public needs to be more educated on scientific concepts and policies. Being so immersed in academia and scientific thought in college, it's flabbergasting to know that so many Americans don't believe in something as widely accepted as evolution. Children, of course, are taught science throughout their formal education, but I feel like the average adult has a sort of knowledge wall around them once they step out of school. It seems so often that the only science people get outside of school is muddled sound bites or "boring" discoveries posted on Yahoo. Museums are a great way to reach out to these people and teach them how science has changed since their school days. Scientists themselves have a bad habit of writing in such thick scientific jargon that it's nearly impossible for the average person to understand. This may look impressive to their colleagues, but it alienates the general public to what very well could be a fascinating discovery. It seems like the greatest problem with the public not accepting things like evolution is not that they've seen the evidence and choose not to believe it, it's that they simply don't know all the evidence out there. Museums are a way to lay out the evidence to the average person in a way they can understand. That way, even if that person chooses not to believe it, at least they have all the facts.
ReplyDelete-Stephanie Silver
At the risk of repeating everyone else's sentiment, I too agree this is an important issue. The statistic of 1/3-1/5 of Americans not believing there to be sufficient evidence for evolution is disheartening but not exactly shocking. Though I agree that more presentation of the information through schooling and museums is necessary, a perhaps equally likely reason for this statistic is the dishonest portrayal of the theory of evolution by certain media outlets and public figures. It is often portrayed as a theory that opposes the belief in God, which is just not true.
ReplyDeleteAs discussed in class at the beginning of the term, evolution says nothing about abiogenesis. There is no tenant of evolution stating God did not create the origins of the universe. Whether this inaccurate portrayal of evolution is purposeful or a result of a lack of understanding, I'm not sure; but it surely needs to be corrected.
Being from Hawai'i and seeing what my own state has done to help promote evolutionary science to people of all ages through easy access of museums and science centers has made me agree strongly with this post. I think it is important that people are educated about evolution and its scary how 1/3 to 1/2 of Americans do not believe in evolution even though consensus among scientists is that it is a working theory. I think that museums and science centers should try to take on the role of presenting to the general community what the scientific community seems to abstract in their papers. And because evolution is one of the few ideas agreed upon by the vast majority of scientists shows that it is something worth teaching to the public.
ReplyDeleteIt's very heartening to hear that someone is doing research on how to better reach the general public and expose them to complex scientific theories. I think a big part of the problem is that so few people seek out that type of knowledge to begin with and then the task of understanding it is beyond their capacity. It's sad. So I just want to say wow and you have a lot of support (from our class, at the very least), Laia! My dream as a child was to go to the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Unfortunately, I have still never been. Meanwhile, my parents did their best to fulfill that dream as closely as possible with the resources that they had and our family made many trips to OMSI and other museums/science centers. Those memories are some of the best I have of my childhood and family. It fueled my love for science and thirst for knowledge, but if nothing else, we spent time together learning new things. That's huge! It's more than most children get and they deserve so much more! I think museums and science centers are such an important and overlooked resource and am so happy to see both the support from our class and also that someone is doing this kind of research and work.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this topic. Museums are that unique place where children, (and adults) who may not get much out of sitting in a class room, can thrive in a learning environment. I agree that implementing evolution into exhibits is a must. It seems that many museums simply brush right over the whole topic, leaving it up to parents to answer their children's questions on "When were all these dinosaurs here," or "Where did they all go?" And who knows what parents are teaching their kids! I actually plan to go into vert. paleo. curation so this area of research is extremely interesting to me. I hope more and more life science museums will find creative ways to implement evolution into exhibits other than the same old "This is what a horse looked like x amount of years ago, this is what it looks like today." Because I was/am a kid, and that's just boring. There are so many examples of evolutions that museums could explore for use.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder what negative consequences might arise in the future were more and more museums to teach evolution. Perhaps creationist museums will emerge down the block from natural history museums. That would be something.