DEVELOPING TEACHING MATERIALS FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Case Studies in Cell Biology

Abstract

Museum exhibitions and events have diversified in the 21^st century to include interactive exhibits like hands-on activities and multi-touch tabletops. Science museums and centers, as informal learning institutions, are now focused on how best to cultivate the scientific knowledge of visitors through science communication activities, as well as provide the opportunity to experience artistic multisensory activities. The aim of this paper is to provide several case studies showing how a greater understanding and interest in science can be developed through practical science communication in a science museum context, particularly to an audience with children. Two case studies are presented in this paper showing how multisensory activities can be used as part of an introduction to cell biology phenomena: the first case study using food, and the second case study using 3D models. These case studies evince the efficacy of using real-world objects that can connect science to life.