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Vision of the Discovery
Room
Visitors to the Sternberg Discovery Room place increased value on
the experience of personal discovery by making direct, personal
contact with natural science specimens in a supportive, relaxed
environment.
Mission
The Sternberg Discovery Room exists to enable
visitors to personally experience the process of discovery and hands-on
learning. With real specimens (largely focussing on the Great Plains)
and basic information as the foundation, the Discovery Room provides
freedom for individuals to formulate and pursue their own questions,
as well as suggesting directions of inquiry for subjects or visitors
requiring more structure. The outcome desired above all others is
that visitors place increased value on the process of discovery
throughout their lives.
Guiding Principles
The methods of the Discovery Room complement
the methods of the exhibit gallery by contributing personal interaction
with specimens to the visitor's overall museum experience.
Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and interests can
have meaningful interactions with natural specimens. Basic natural
science can and should be made interesting and accessible to learners
of all types, at all levels.
The experience of direct sensory observation alone (e.g. "Look,
this fur is softer than that one!") can constitute a successful
Discovery Room experience. Science is presented through processes
and concepts rather than as sets of facts and information. Much
in science is still unknown.
Personal experience with natural science specimens engenders respect
for the natural world and can lead to an attitude of stewardship
of natural resources.
Discovery Room specimens are mainly drawn from the Great Plains
(communicating that the local environment is both interesting and
of value); exotic specimens mainly support or complement local ones.
For most visitors, the significance of science
lies in the context of personal and social perspectives, technology,
and the history and nature of science. It is connected to many aspects
of life, and may be approached through those many aspects.
Placing value on the experience of personal discovery leads to a
more accurate conception of the role of discovery in the process
of doing science, and ultimately will help to foster in receptive
individuals the desire to pursue a lifelong involvement in science
and related fields.
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