The discussion about science centers and museums in class this week prompted me to take a closer look at a science museum I often visited when I was in elementary and middle school. Although the official name of this large building in downtown Syracuse is The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, most people know it as the Most. The Most's website (linked in the title) leaves a lot to be desired. The black background and blocky, awkwardly colored banners make the site look like something a middle schooler designed for her LiveJournal. Although the website looks awkward, it includes a lot of helpful information, with sections that include "Educators Toolbox" [sic], "Museum Information" and "Cool Stuff and Games."
There was on exhibit that really caught my eye as being indicative of a science center:
"The Earth Science Discovery Cave is a realistic cave experience that will invite visitors to explore many facets of geology and water. MOST visitors will be able to crawl or walk through the cave, which features dripping water and cool, damp air. They will learn about cave formations and choose a route based on their own interest, ability and comfort level."
This description acknowledges that people will interact with the exhibit in different ways. In a classic museum, there are a limited number of ways to interact with an exhibit; either you look at it/read the descriptions or you don't. This exhibit, however, allows adults and older kids to read the information presented while smaller children can learn about caves in a very hands-on, kinesthetic way. This exhibit accommodates not only different "interests, abilities and comfort levels" but different learning styles as well. Visiting the Most as a child, I tended to park myself in front of one exhibit, devouring the text and repeating the bits that interested me to anyone who would listen. My brother, on the other hand, tore around the museum, touching everything, pulling every lever and pushing every button. One of the great advantages of a science center like the Most is it has the potential to reach a very large audience with its message.
2 comments:
Science centers are a great way to engage the public audience to see how science is fun and interactive, and not just some mysterious scientists working in a lab mixing test tubes together. I love visiting science centers over museums because of the interactive piece. Not only does it reach out to all learning times, but all age levels and levels of science education.
I agree that the website is somewhat lacking, especially compared to another science center: the Exploratorium's website. Once you click through to a few of the links though, a lot of interesting information is there. I really like the idea of the IMAX theater and the Ocean Oasis film they are showing now. Even though it is just a film, I think that because it is such a huge screen, it can still be very interactive and informative, and encourage interest from all ages. I also like the cave, which seems like a good place for family interaction, and it can be used by multiple ages because you can choose your own route based on comfort, etc. This website really shows how science centers build excitement and engage the public in active learning.
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