The hall of biodiversity is full of great displays that teach patrons what biodiversity is, what the threats to it are, and potential solutions they can partake in to help conserve biodiversity. As part of your field trip to AMNH and the lesson on informal science communication (crucial to conservation!), you will be examining how the public interacts with the Hall of Biodiversity and then critically analyze what you found in a blog post.
Instructions:
1. Before you come to AMNH, briefly (i.e. don’t have to read everything!) look over the Educator’s guide to familiar yourself with the displays and goals of the Hall.
2. Once there, walk around the Hall of Biodiversity to check it all out, including the videos and rainforest
3. Pick two different types of displays to observe for 15 minutes each
4. During the 15 minutes:
-Tally the number of people that interact/observe the display
-Record how long each stays at the display and how they interact with it (i.e., reading only, pressing button, etc.)
-Record any comments they make to their fellow visitors about the display
In the blog post, answer:
1. What displays did you chose?
2. What information is the display trying to convey?
3. Compare how the patrons interacted with the two displays, could the information be displayed in a way that would make it more accessible or interesting to patrons? How?
4. Could the exhibit be better designed to convey the biodiversity/conservation message?
5. Do you think the Hall of Biodiversity, overall, is effective at educating the public?
