Exploring Matter: An Interactive, Inexpensive Chemistry Exhibit for Museums

Abstract

Despite its vital importance in our lives, chemistry is inadequately represented in most museums. Issues such as safety, replenishing and disposal of chemicals, supervision required, and cost are constraints that have limited the number and size of chemistry exhibits. Taking into account the constraints, a 21-station interactive and inexpensive chemistry exhibit has been designed, constructed, and installed in the Great Valley Museum on the Modesto Junior College West Campus. The exhibit is intended to stimulate interest in chemistry, demonstrate and emphasize the importance of chemistry in our lives, and provide a meaningful and enjoyable educational experience with chemistry. The centerpiece of the exhibit involves the identification of 11 elements from observations of relative density, electrical conductivity, magnetic properties, color, and luster. Descriptions of the 21 stations are included in this paper.

Everybody Wants to Experiment: Assessing Motivation to Participate in a Chemistry Family Learning Course

“…Phelan et al identified six dimensions of motivation to participate, which were confirmed by factor analysis . As mentioned above, experimentation is often an important part of chemistry outreach events. − ,,, Therefore, the authors of this study developed and validated a seventh dimension to reflect a potential focus on research and experimentation. , Individual learning and pursuing interests : This dimension measures the extent to which visitors’ motivation is based on the expectation to learn something new or to follow their existing interests. Social learning : This dimension measures the extent to which the visit is intended to support the learning of a fellow visitor. Social enjoyment : This dimension measures the extent to which the visit is motivated by gaining social experience from the visit. Establishing or enjoying social contacts : This dimension measures the extent to which visitors’ motivation is based on the expectation of creating new social contacts with other people. Relaxation and recuperation : This dimension measures the extent to which visitors’ motivation is based on the expectation of being able to relax and recuperate during the visit. Popularity of the site : This dimension measures the extent to which visitors’ motivation is based on the expectation of visiting a special or even unique place. Research and experimentation: This dimension measures the extent to which motivation to participate is based on the expectation of being able to experiment safely and independently. …”

“…As mentioned above, a variety of scientists and institutions attempt to engage people with and to facilitate learning about chemistry. Several groups and publications foster this through best-practice examples and results from evaluations. ,,− ,, However, participation is often analyzed from a retrospective perspective. That is, participants were asked about the event after the event.…”

“…Several groups and publications foster this through best-practice examples and results from evaluations. 4,5,[8][9][10]12,15 However, participation is often analyzed from a retrospective perspective. That is, participants were asked about the event after the event.…”

“…19 As mentioned above, experimentation is often an important part of chemistry outreach events. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]14,15,17 Therefore, the authors of this study developed and validated a seventh dimension to reflect a potential focus on research and experimentation. 25,26 • Individual learning and pursuing interests: This dimension measures the extent to which visitors' motivation is based on the expectation to learn something new or to follow their existing interests.…”

“…There is a need to engage people with chemistry and to facilitate learning about chemistry, its methods, and findings in both nonformal and informal settings. , This implies a need for organizing outreach events and a need for people to be willing to participate. Communicators from a variety of backgrounds (e.g., scientists, teachers) and institutions (e.g., universities, industry) already offer outreach events in numerous formats, including universities, − schools, science museums, − exhibition spaces, , and libraries for a variety of target audiences (e.g., for children and their parents − ,− , ). Reports indicate that such events are well received in terms of visitor counts, and anecdotal evidence and summative evaluations both indicate that the formats are appreciated by audiences. ,,,, …”