Representing biodiversity in science museums: perspectives from an STSE lens

ABSTRACT

This paper explores how biodiversity is represented at the Life in Crisis Schad Gallery of Biodiversity (Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto). Using theoretical perspectives related to science, technology, society and environment (STSE), and biodiversity in science museums, we conducted a qualitative case study of the exhibit. Data collection included records of the exhibit through photos and videos; field notes; in-depth interviews with two museum professionals; and collection of documents and artifacts. The first analytical stage, based on inductive analysis, revealed that biodiversity is being represented as an ‘unknown’ topic, a loss and an unfinished narrative. The second analytical stage, deductively supported by the STSE framework, reflected a prominent logical reasoning angle, through which biological perspectives are routinary reflected in the exhibit. Our analyses also revealed hints of environmental ethics, stewardship, socio-ecojustice and value-centered views often associated in the exhibit with worldwide environmental issues and the idea of generic human beings. Our study suggests that the STSE lens can provide a framework to support the work of science museums around topics like biodiversity. It also highlights the importance of bringing local perspectives to the exhibit content, engaging with critical pedagogical strategies and amplifying the concept of sociobiodiversity.

KEYWORDS:

• Museums
• biology education
• science
• technology
• society

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to the CAPES, CNPq and FAPESP Brazilian agencies for funding this study and making it possible. We are also grateful to the museum professionals who welcomed us and our research into their space.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CAPES: [Grant Number 88881.120951/2016-01].