Research Literacy

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Research Literacy PUR

• David A. Ucko, President
• Museumsmore LLC

2
Challenges

• Frontier science vs. Established science
• Complexity no "cookbooks"
• Tentative results vs. Greater certainty
• Outcomes, significance less clear
• Fast moving vs. Slower pace
• Requires rapid response, updating

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Challenges (cont.)

• Messy process vs. "Sanitized" history
• More difficult to interpret
• Possible consequences vs. Applications
• Potential for controversy

4
Opportunities

• Exploring the unknown
• Excitement of discovery
• Media coverage, resources
• Human interest
• collaboration competition
• Potential for public engagement

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Research Literacy

• Components
• Content of current research
• Process of research
• Potential implications

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Content

• Exhibitions the primary medium
• Frequent updating staff intensive
• Modularity, digital media cut time, cost
• Ex (small) ScienceNOW, Science Bulletins
• Ex (large) Antenna, Current Science
  Technology Center

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Content (cont.)

• Programs flexible format, lower capital but
  ongoing operational costs
• Skilled presenters hard to find, train
• Ex FAST, Curiosity Corner

8
Process

• Exhibitions Process difficult to portray
• Story-telling techniques media helps
• Ex Çatalhöyük, Inquiry, Investigate!

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Process (cont.)

• Virtual field trips access research sites
• Interaction may be limited
• Staff mediators increase impact
• Ex Jason, Cardiac Classroom,
  Live_at_Exploratorium

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Process (cont.)

• Hands-on research inquiry-based learning
• Need meaningful activities, partners
• Can make research relevant
• Ex Citizen science (Cornell, Denver)

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Implications

• Programs (same as Content)
• Theater effective for raising issues
• Integrating art and science is difficult
• Ex Copenhagen, Wellcome Trust

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Implications (cont.)

• Forums, debates, conferences local community
  forums
• Civic engagement "community center
• Charged topics are challenging
• Learn from European colleagues
• Ex La Cité, Dana Centre, Café Scientifique

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Collaboration Scientists

• Concept development
• Sources for research content, process
• Provide validation, diverse viewpoints
• Potential presenters, demonstrators
• Research projects for citizen science
• Sources PIOs, Sigma Xi, SAS

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Value for Scientists

• Broader impact
• Student recruitment
• Promotion of field, self
• Potential data sources
• Community involvement

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Collaboration Media

• Concept development
• Source for breaking news
• Story, story, story
• Visual and media resources
• Cross-dissemination, promotion
• Audience research findings

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Value for Media

• Site complementary to on-air presence
• Meet their audience
• Focus groups
• Screenings, live shows
• Special events
• Educational outreach

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Collaboration Regional National

• Concept development
• Meetings with researchers, media
• Directories with contact information
• Consortia (like exhibits)
• Cross-field information sharing
• National PUR resource clearinghouse

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Conclusion

• Identify Research Literacy mix.
• Content Process Implications
• Public Engagement in Research (PER)
• Tool for achieving PUR
• PER ? PUR
• Collaborate end-to-end

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Resources

• Creating Connections Museums and the Public
  Understanding of Current Research (AltaMira
  Press)
• http//www.altamirapress.com/
• Presentation
• http//www.MuseumsPlusMore.com/