Families talking about ecology at touch tanks

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that conversations among museum, aquarium, and zoo visitors can be a clear indication of active learning, engagement, and participation in scientific reasoning. This descriptive study sought to determine the extent of talk about ecology-related topics exhibited by family groups visiting marine touch tanks at four Pacific coast aquariums. In particular, conversations were examined to determine the kinds of ecology topics discussed and the influence of exhibit features such as tank format and interpretive staff interactions on the extent of talk about ecological topics. Findings suggest limited talk about ecology by families during their visit to the exhibit – regardless of whether the tank resembled a real tidepool habitat or not. However, data revealed that talk about ecology between guests and staff was significantly longer than was ecology-talk among guests only, suggesting that supplemental interpretation by staff members or volunteers may be necessary to explicitly encourage such discourse at touch tanks.

Keywords:

• informal education
• family
• ecology
• museum
• discourse

Acknowledgements

The research presented here was conducted by Charles Kopczak, Curator, California Science Center, James F. Kisiel, Department of Science Education, California State University, Long Beach, and Shawn Rowe, Oregon Sea Grant and College of Education, Oregon State University.

Funding

Data collection for this project was partially funded by Oregon Sea [grant number NA06OAR4170010] (project number R/IEd-10) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, US Department of Commerce, and by appropriations made by the Oregon State Legislature. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of these funders.