Biodiversity in Science Museums: Forms of Representation and Science-Technology-Society-and-Environment Perspectives

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching Science for Culture Relevance and Justice (Table 4)

Abstract

In this paper we examine how biodiversity is represented in the exhibition Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity (Royal Ontario Museum). Using theory related to museum studies and science-technology-society-and-environment, we conducted a qualitative case study. Our data included images and video records, documents, field notes and staff interviews, which were then analyzed in two stages. The inductive analytical stage revealed that biodiversity is represented in the exhibit as an unknown topic, a loss and a changing narrative. The STSE lens used in the deductive analytical stage, revealed the ways in which logical-reasoning, value-centred and socio-ecojustice perspectives pervade the exhibit. Our findings also expose a lack of representation of political, socio-cultural and economic aspects related to the topic of biodiversity.

Authors

• Ana Maria Navas Iannini, Simon Fraser University
  Presenting Author

• Martha Marandino, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Educaçao
  Presenting Author

• Erminia G. Pedretti, OISE/University of Toronto
  Presenting Author