A new exhibition opens this week at the Science Museum on the Large Hadron Collider, replacing the museum’s gallery of historic ships. What role should STEM museums play in representing the world of science and technology?
A very large majority of the 441 respondents to last week’s poll backed the idea of science and technology museums presenting the latest developments in research and industry as well as reflecting the heritage of the sector. Over 71 per cent supported this option, compared with just 16 per cent saying that heritage should be the focus. While 3 per cent said they should attempt to explain climate change, 6 per cent thought they should avoid the subject altogether, and options supporting and opposing corporate sponsorship of exhibitions both attracted 2 per cent of support.
The MOSI in Manchester blends the history of technology with presentations on the very latest developments in Science and Technology and Engineering.
Interesting comments about a static inert museum, BUT like Fermi’s visitor’s center there MUST be interactive displays driving home the concepts of STEM. Yes the working models at Fermi are needing some loving care and repair. Yes there needs to be resource persons available for classroom activities. But most import is the grade level for creating early interest to test the individual Middle School Student for creating a life long interest and perhaps a STEM career ?
As with many “The Engineer” polls. choice was to cast a single vote for non-competing propositions. I thought that participation was pointless.