On the Roles of Controversy in Science Museums

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Informal and Out-of-School Science Education

Abstract

In this theoretical paper, we (researchers and museum stakeholders) consider, reflect and discuss the roles that controversy can play in the science museum landscape. Starting with a literature review, we explore the notion of controversy, including its meanings and different interpretations in the field of science education. We discuss then a typology of science exhibitions that are about and that generate controversy. In so doing, we use scholarly works and examples from the field to support our claims. In the final section, we present possible contributions of this framework for science museum communities.

Authors

• Ana Maria Navas Iannini, University of Los Andes

• Erminia G. Pedretti, OISE/University of Toronto

• Vishnu Ramcharan, Ontario Science Centre