Museology
Title： A new way of science interpretation in museum -Taking a gallery at the Birmingham Science Museum as an example
Science interpretation in museums has, until now, largely focused on the products of science-the technological artifacts of our scientific past and the scientific phenomena presented in hands-on galleries. Little, if anything, is said about the process of science- what it is, how it’s done, who does it, and why. This passage will take a new gallery based on science itself in the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry as an example to show how they plan to interpret science from a cultural perspective, from which science and technology museum in China can learn.
Key words: science, museum, culture, interpretation
Introduction Birmingham Science Museum is developing an innovative gallery, Science is . . . , with an aim to ‘look at science itself-what it is, how it is done, who does it and why’. This new gallery aims to raise awareness of science as a key part of our culture. It will inform visitors about the methods, history, philosophy and community of science by looking at topical scientific issues and major shifts in thought in the twentieth century, as well as looking back at the development of scientific thought. The gallery will question misconceptions about science, while promoting more realistic images of science and scientists. It will compare science to other systems of thought, such as art and religion, and will involve visitors to encourage them to develop their natural scientific skills. Five themes will run through the exhibition: values and ethics, the history of science, discoveries and paradigm shifts (with the working title ‘Science is. . . Changing Ideas’), the scientific approach, and images of science and scientists. The challenge is to communicate these ideas to visitors in a stimulating way, encouraging them to develop their scientific skills and ask questions about science and the way
Science interpretation in museums has, until now, largely focused on the products of science-the technological artifacts of our scientific past and the scientific phenomena presented in hands-on galleries. Little, if anything, is said about the process of science- what it is, how it’s done, who does it, and why. This passage will take a new gallery based on science itself in the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry as an example to show how they plan to interpret science from a cultural perspective, from which science and technology museum in China can learn.
Key words: science, museum, culture, interpretation
Introduction Birmingham Science Museum is developing an innovative gallery, Science is . . . , with an aim to ‘look at science itself-what it is, how it is done, who does it and why’. This new gallery aims to raise awareness of science as a key part of our culture. It will inform visitors about the methods, history, philosophy and community of science by looking at topical scientific issues and major shifts in thought in the twentieth century, as well as looking back at the development of scientific thought. The gallery will question misconceptions about science, while promoting more realistic images of science and scientists. It will compare science to other systems of thought, such as art and religion, and will involve visitors to encourage them to develop their natural scientific skills. Five themes will run through the exhibition: values and ethics, the history of science, discoveries and paradigm shifts (with the working title ‘Science is. . . Changing Ideas’), the scientific approach, and images of science and scientists. The challenge is to communicate these ideas to visitors in a stimulating way, encouraging them to develop their scientific skills and ask questions about science and the way