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Controversy in Science Museums

Re-imagining Exhibition Spaces and Practice
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Controversy in Science Museums examines how science museums and centres present sensitive or controversial topics through exhibitions. Authors Erminia Pedretti and Ana Maria Navas Iannini analyse both historical and current practices, advocating for exhibitions that foster critical thinking and empower visitors.

Utilising international case studies alongside insights from museum professionals and visitors, the book explores the multifaceted nature of controversy and the complexities faced when developing such exhibitions. It argues that science museums should evolve beyond mere object repositories or fact transmitters to become inclusive, critical spaces for meaningful social conversations.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for museum professionals aiming to design thought-provoking exhibitions, as well as scholars and students in museum studies, science communication, and social studies of science. This volume will appeal to those interested in the evolving roles of science museums and the cultivation of public engagement with controversial scientific issues.

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Controversy in Science Museums focuses on exhibitions that approach sensitive or controversial topics. With a keen sense of past and current practices, the authors examine and reimagine how museums and science centres can create exhibitions that embrace criticality and visitor agency.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Controversy in Science Museums focuses on exhibitions that approach sensitive or controversial topics. With a keen sense of past and current practices, Pedretti and Navas Iannini examine and re-imagine how museums and science centres can create exhibitions that embrace criticality and visitor agency.

Drawing on international case studies and voices from visitors and museum professionals, as well as theoretical insights about scientific literacy and science communication, the authors explore the textured notion of controversy and the challenges and opportunities practitioners may encounter as they plan for and develop controversial science exhibitions. They assert that science museums can no longer serve as mere repositories for objects or sites for transmitting facts, but that they should also become spaces for conversations that are inclusive, critical, and socially responsible.

Controversy in Science Museums provides an invaluable resource for museum professionals who are interested in creating and hosting controversial exhibitions, and for scholars and students working in the fields of museum studies, science communication, and social studies of science. Anyone wishing to engage in an examination and critique of the changing roles of science museums will find this book relevant, timely, and thought provoking.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781138579989

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 May 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Routledge

Illustration: 2 Tables, black and white; 5 Line drawings, black and white; 13 Halftones, color; 35 Halftones, black and white; 13 Illustrations, color; 40 Illustrations, black and white

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 260

About the Author

Erminia Pedretti (PhD, MEd, BEd, BSc) is Professor of Science Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto (Canada) in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. Her research interests include science education, STSE, science museum studies, and teacher education. She has published 52 articles, five books, and two teacher education textbooks. She has received numerous nationally competitive grants (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) to support her research program and graduate students, including her most recent grant Engaging the Public with Controversial Issues through Science Centres and Museums.

Ana Maria Navas Iannini (PhD, MA, BSc) is Assistant Professor at the University of Los Andes (Colombia), in the Faculty of Education. She is a researcher in the fields of science education, science communication, and science museums. She has published one book, four book chapters, six articles, and two professional books. While conducting her PhD and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto, she participated in several funded research projects involving museums, science centres, and science clubs. Her current grant, received from the University of Los Andes, focuses on public engagement, socio-scientific issues and the informal science education sector.

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