Interactivity is an essential part of learning any topic or skill. It’s the bridge between studying theory and executing confident practice. By keeping a student involved in learning, you can keep their attention focused on the lesson at hand and ensure that they’re truly committing it to memory. It’s another level of interaction deeper than a lecture.  I found the information that Chapter 3 provided on the role of interactivity in learning very fascinating for this reason, and I wasn’t altogether surprised that interactive exhibits were found to be more effective than conventional lessons.

In the arena of science, immersion is especially important at a young age. Cell Lab was especially enlightening in regards to the importance of immersion. The reality of science at higher levels is that it’s often unclear, with weeks and months without any solid progress. New learners can be demoralized by this and need evidence of clear progress in an experiment, or they may lose interest in scientific participation. What interactive exhibits like Cell Lab offer are a sort of distilled scientific experience – they allow students to “step into” the mindset of a scientist by putting on lab uniforms. The exhibit also gives them a clear goal and steps required to reach their objectives. This kind of immersion has students excited about participating in the process and culture of science. I wish there was a sort of sister exhibit that had students collect the culture in a less formal setting, so that they’d see the lab coat as another uniform scientists wear, instead of the uniform scientists wear.