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Updating the Natural Science Exhibits at the Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA

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Updating the Natural Science Exhibits at the Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA Updating the Natural Science Exhibits at the Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA An Interactive Qualifying Report submitted to faculty of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in partial requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science. By Molly Congdon, Alex Tutone, & Victoria Valencia Dated December 19, 2008 Submitted to: Dr. Michael B. Elmes Worcester Polytechnic Institute Nantucket Project Center Dr. Janet Schulte & Dr. Bob Kennedy Maria Mitchell Association Abstract This report, prepared for the Maria Mitchell Association, explored ways to update the existing exhibits and increase kindergarten through fifth grade visitation to the Natural Science Museum. The current exhibits were evaluated based on content and aspects of exhibit design. We developed and modified six interactive prototypes regarding erosion and bird adaptations. By working together with local schools, we determined key obstacles preventing class visitation. Through our analysis of surveys, observations, and interviews we developed recommendations for the Association. Authorship Every aspect of this report was written and edited by all three members of the group. Molly Congdon contributed heavily in the planning and scheduling of many logistics within the project, with help from Victoria Valencia. For most interviews with teachers, Victoria represented the group as lead interviewer, while Molly and Alex took notes and made sure the interview went along smoothly. While building prototypes, each group member was in charge of a couple of prototypes. Molly not only conceptualized how to do the Erosion Book, but also did most of its construction. Victoria oversaw the building and presentation of the Bird Feet Adaptation prototype, while Alex built and managed the various Bird Beak Adaptation prototypes. While observing visiting children testing our prototypes, Molly recorded observations on the book, Victoria observed the interactions with the Bird Feet Adaptations, and Alex presented and recorded for the Bird Beak Adaptations. When analyzing data both from interviews and visitations, we divided up the work to maximize efficiency and edited each other’s sections to check for continuity. The final assembly of sections was mostly done by Molly, due to her vast knowledge when dealing with large Word documents. Acknowledgements It is our team's wish to thank our sponsors, Dr. Janet Schulte and Dr. Bob Kennedy, for not only supporting our project with their cooperation but also for housing our team, as well as, every other team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. We would also like to thank Rachael Rasfield and Dan Thomas for volunteering their time to help us during the open house. We greatly appreciate the help we received from Scott Leonard and Nathan Porter who helped us gain the tools and maps that were necessary for our prototypes. We especially would like to thank Cheryl Beaton for all the times she helped give tours to our visiting groups of children. A special thank you goes to Darcie Vallant who initialized communication with and provided the contact information of many of the teachers we worked with. Our group would like to thank all of the local school teachers, both public and private, as well as the Boys and Girls Club for being so enthusiastic and willing to help us through interviews and class trips. It is our hope that the work we've done here will help strengthen the communal bonds between the MMA and the schools. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our advisors Dr. Michael Elmes and Dr. Dominic Golding for helping us create such a successful and complete project both in its physical exhibits and the accompanying report. Finally we would like to thank our fellow students for being so supportive through a challenging and emotional time. Table of Contents Abstract ..........................................................................................................................................................2 Authorship......................................................................................................................................................3 Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................4 Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................................5 Table of Figures .............................................................................................................................................9 Table of Tables.............................................................................................................................................11 1. Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................12 1.1 Introduction/Sponsor's Goal...............................................................................................................12 1.2 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................................12 1.3 Goals and Objectives..........................................................................................................................13 1.4 Process and Methods for Objective 1: Updating Exhibits .................................................................13 1.5 Results and Observations for Objective 1: Exhibit Updates..............................................................14 1.6 Process and Methods for Objective 2: Increasing School Visitation.................................................14 1.7 Interview Results................................................................................................................................15 1.8 Prototype Results ...............................................................................................................................15 1.9 Prototype Conclusions .......................................................................................................................15 1.10 Conclusions for Objective 2: Increasing School Visitation .............................................................16 1.11 Recommendations............................................................................................................................17 2. Introduction..............................................................................................................................................19 3. Literature Review.....................................................................................................................................21 3.1 History of Museums...........................................................................................................................21 3.2 Maria Mitchell Association................................................................................................................22 3.3 Learning in Museums.........................................................................................................................24 3.3.1 Informal Learning .......................................................................................................................24 3.3.2 Interactive Learning ....................................................................................................................25 3.3.3 Family Learning..........................................................................................................................26 3.4 Exhibit Design....................................................................................................................................27 3.5 Museum - School Programs...............................................................................................................28 3.5.1 S.T.E.M .......................................................................................................................................29 3.5.2 Museum Outreach Programs.......................................................................................................29 3.6 Conclusion .........................................................................................................................................30 4. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................32 4.1 Objective 1: Updating the Natural Science Exhibits .........................................................................32 4.1.1 Determine the Effectiveness of the Current Exhibits..................................................................33 4.1.1.1 Interviews.............................................................................................................................33 4.1.1.2 Open House..........................................................................................................................34 4.1.1.3 Feedback surveys .................................................................................................................36 4.1.2 Prototypes....................................................................................................................................37 4.1.2.1 Erosion Book........................................................................................................................37 4.1.2.2 Bird Beak Adaptation...........................................................................................................38
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