"What do scientists do?" in museums: representations of scientific practice in museum exhibitions and activities

This article complements our discussion of science museums and science centers. Discussing the type(s) of knowledge created in these venues, the paper addresses the ways in which knowledge is created and the forms which research takes in these venues.

According to the analysis, the focus of different museums (natural history, archaeological, anthropological, etc) results in the display of science in different ways and with different emphases. The author suggests that there is often little mention of the scientists themselves, except for their common recognition as “founding fathers” with frequent stereotypical depictions. Additionally, certain types of research (lab work, field work, etc.) are often associated with, and thus depicted within, certain disciplines.

The author concludes with the suggestion that the specific depictions of science within museums and/or science centers results in the way public views science. With this in mind, I’m forced to wonder if this is an accurate conclusion. It seems to me that this might suggest a somewhat “single-bullet” idea, where the representation of science in museums results in all individuals having the same conclusions from their museum experiences. It seems to not take into account the viewer’s predispositions or education levels (etc.). I was wondering what the rest of the class thought!

Also, Professor Lewenstein is cited twice by the author :0)