Asee peer logo

The Impact of Museum Outreach

Download Paper |

Conference

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana

Publication Date

June 26, 2016

Start Date

June 26, 2016

End Date

June 29, 2016

ISBN

978-0-692-68565-5

ISSN

2153-5965

Conference Session

Student-led Research on Engineering Education - Quantitative Methodologies

Tagged Division

Student

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

9

DOI

10.18260/p.27357

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/27357

Download Count

1835

Request a correction

Paper Authors

biography

Mark Roger Haase University of Cincinnati

visit author page

Mark Haase is currently completing his PhD in Chemical Engineering. His research is focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanocarbon materials, especially carbon nanotube arrays exhibiting the property known as spinnability. Mark has been involved with teaching since starting his graduate work, developing laboratory experiences and lesson content pertaining to nanotechnology. He is outreach work enters around introducing people, especially youth, to nanotechnology concepts.

visit author page

Download Paper |

Abstract

Museums are organizations dedicated to developing understanding in a broad audience. Science musuems in particular are known for this. The general public believes in the effectiveness of this museum work, frequently turning to these institutions for knowledge and understanding. Further, the public increasingly finds enjoyment in the learning opportunities provided by these institutions. However, these institutions are experiencing increasing difficulty in accessing subject matter expertise, especially in young fields.

Scientists and engineers are strongly motivated to share their understanding of technical subjects with others. Most a driven towards this communication centered outreach by personal desire. This desire is reinforced by professional and institutional requirements. However, these groups are concerned about the effectiveness of their efforts. Their time is limited, and it can be difficult to reach a wide audience.

Developing partnerships between subject matter experts and museums provides a mechanism to resolve both difficulties. Museums gain access to much desired expertise, and scientists and engineers gain access to established mechanisms for reaching a broad audience. Here, an example of this sort of partnership is considered: presentations aiming to improve staff and volunteer understanding of nanotechnology. A single presenter improves the understanding of a museum personnel, who in turn guide visitors to a fuller understanding. This outreach event, and its evolution, are described. A simple survey was developed using standard techniques, and used to assess the impact of these presentations on the audience. Ultimately, the activity was succesful; it is presented here as a guide for those interested in pursuing similar outreach.

Haase, M. R. (2016, June), The Impact of Museum Outreach Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/p.27357

ASEE holds the copyright on this document. It may be read by the public free of charge. Authors may archive their work on personal websites or in institutional repositories with the following citation: © 2016 American Society for Engineering Education. Other scholars may excerpt or quote from these materials with the same citation. When excerpting or quoting from Conference Proceedings, authors should, in addition to noting the ASEE copyright, list all the original authors and their institutions and name the host city of the conference. - Last updated April 1, 2015