Includes bibliographical references (pages 143-152) and index.
Contents:
Part 1. Science sets the stage. Chapter One. A brief history of natural history museums. From private collections to public institutions : asserting control over the natural world. An affair to remember : science and natural history. A triad of purpose : preservation, research, and education. Natural history : the way of the dodo? Conclusion ; Chapter Two. Natural history and the nature of science. Nature and its history. Science as a way of knowing. Inquiry and the myth of the scientific method. Conclusion -- Part 2. Development and design. Chapter Three. What's gonna work? : Teamwork. Teamwork : the good, the bad, and the ugly. The players. In or out : internal staff. In or out : external partnerships. The process. Conflict. Conclusion ; Chapter Four. Knowing the audience. "The visitor". Learning in informal environments. Science in informal environments. Know your audience. Conclusion ; Chapter Five. Finding focus : ideas, goals, and bubbles. The big idea. Learning and experience goals. Bubble diagrams. Conclusion ; Chapter Six. Strategies for encouraging engagement. Is it hands-on, interactive, or participatory? Hands-on. Participatory. Multimedia. Dioramas. Design and logistics. Conclusion ; Chapter Seven. Telling a story : words to paper. Audience, label types, and hierarchy. Label writing 101 : initial considerations. Label writing 101 : pencil to paper. A brief note on the myth of dumbing down. Conclusion ; Chapter Eight. Material of the visual. Typography. Typeface. A tale of two serifs. Layout. Images. Look and feel. Production. Conclusion ; Chapter Nine. Hammer to nail : 3D design. Tracking, timing, and museum fatigue. Accessibility. Moving through the space. Lighting. Objects and display. A note on organization. Consideration of budget. Conclusion ; Chapter Ten. If you build it, will they come? : after the opening. A brief note on marketing. Measuring and maintaining success. Creating a living exhibition : educational programming. Conclusion ; Final thoughts : now let's take a journey, together. Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Part 1. Science sets the stage. Chapter One. A brief history of natural history museums ; Chapter Two. Natural history and the nature of science -- Part 2. Development and design. Chapter Three. What's gonna work? Teamwork ; Chapter Four. Knowing the audience ; Chapter Five. Finding focus : ideas, goals, and bubbles ; Chapter Six. Strategies for encouraging engagement ; Chapter Seven. Telling a story : words to paper ; Chapter Eight. Material of the visual ; Chapter Nine. Hammer to nail : 3D design ; Chapter Ten. If you build it, will they come? : after the opening -- Final thoughts : now let's take a journey, together. Machine generated contents note: PrefacePart One: Science Sets the StageChapter One: A Brief History of Natural History MuseumsChapter Two: Natural History & the Nature of SciencePart Two: Development & DesignChapter Three: What's Gonna Work? TeamworkChapter Four: Knowing the AudienceChapter Five: Finding Focus: Ideas, Goals, & BubblesChapter Six: Strategies for Encouraging EngagementChapter Seven: Telling a Story: Words to PaperChapter Eight: Material of the VisualChapter Nine: Hammer to Nail: 3D DesignChapter Ten: If You Build It, Will They Come? After the Opening ... Chapter Eleven: Ready ... Set ... Go!NotesReferencesIndexAbout the Authors.
Summary:
"Two experienced exhibit designers lead you through the complex process of design and installation of natural history exhibitions. The authors introduce the history and function of natural history museums and their importance in teaching visitors the basic principles of science. The book then offers you practical tricks and tips of the trade, to allow museums, aquaria, and zoos--large or small--to tell the story of nature and science. From overall concept to design, construction, and evaluation, the book carries you through the process step-by-step, with emphasis on the importance of collaboration and teamwork for a successful installation. A crucial addition to the bookshelf of anyone involved in exhibit design or natural history museums"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.