Controversy, mental health and social responsibility in exhibitions
This workshop session will cover the topics of scientific literacy, science communication and science exhibition typologies. Through the exploration of a controversial science exhibit about mental health we will invite participants to reflect upon the current role and purpose of our organisations within society.
We will focus on exhibitionary practises as they engage with bold, complex and edgy topics that imply commitments to social responsibility. Participants can share collective experiences, expertise, practises and knowledge. After a brief introduction to key concepts related to progressive views of scientific literacy and science exhibition typologies, based on our experiences in the field and recent publications, participants will work in groups to brainstorm ideas for a new installation in a mental health exhibition. Then we’ll establish connections between the participants’ insights and ideas and theoretical perspectives.
This session is part of the Equity and inclusion conference track.
Session speakers
In this workshop, I will be directly involved with the presentation of the theoretical frameworks that will support the practical portion of the session. As this part of the workshop will be followed by Q&As, I will be answering questions of participants as well. I will be directly involved in the wrap-up portion of the session, helping to build connections between participants' work and the theoretical frameworks introduced to them at the beginning of the workshop.
I will present Heureka Goes Crazy exhibition’ design and production as the practical background of the workshop. The methods and practices we used to create a inclusive exhibition of mental health and its disorders with those who suffer from it. I will also facilitate the group work part.
Professor of Science Education
OISE, University of Toronto
I will present theoretical frameworks that will support the practical portion of the session. The ppt will include images and texts related to the fields of scientific literacy, science communication and controversy. I will also be part of the Q&A period. During the second part of the workshop, I will facilitate group work, and will contribute to the wrap-up where we will help build connections between participants' work and the theoretical frameworks introduced earlier in the workshop.
