Jun
17
Written by:
5th World Congress Blogger
6/17/2008 5:35 PM
The parallel session, “Earth Issues: Urgency for Awareness: Water,” explored how science centres can engage visitors in water resources education. Dr. David Pearson from Science North, Clarence Sirisena from Science Centre Singapore and Erika Shugart from the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences discussed how their exhibits and programs address water conservation, water use and the science of water.
Science North and Science Centre Singapore have both developed exhibits to help visitors realize that water is a precious resource, and both have used the frame of local water resources to unite information.
Science North is located in Sudbury, Ontario. Ontario (along with several northern American states) is home to the Great Lakes, a series of five lakes that hold almost 20% of the world’s surface fresh water. Dr. Pearson explained, “We are in a fortunate part of the world here…we take water for granted.” Science North has developed “Water Works,” an exhibit that contains information on household water cycles and water footprints (like a carbon footprint, but for water). It is also home to the “H2O Lab,” an area that allows visitors to examine water from a scientist’s point of view. Science North has built boardwalks through local wetlands and over Lake Ramsey in Sudbury, and visitors are encouraged to explore the two different aquatic habitats. Said Dr. Pearson, “this has given us the opportunity to develop programming to engage people in connections [to water] that many [other] places cannot.”
Science Centre Singapore works closely with PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, to develop exhibits and outreach programs that are specific to local water supplies. Schoolchildren can earn a Water Ambassador badge by changing and monitoring their water use, and road shows travel to schools and festivals to educate the public about water recycling in Singapore. At Science Centre Singapore, “Waterworks” is an extremely popular outdoor water play area where scientific facts and messages are displayed alongside interactive fountains and water sculptures. Mr. Sirisena said that the biggest challenge in Science Centre Singapore’s water education program is “getting the community involved in conveying the message that everyone has a role to play in water conservation.” Science Centre Singapore’s new building will be located right next to Jurong Lake, and outdoor activities will integrate the lake into visitors’ experiences.
The Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, has taken a slightly different approach to water conservation education: it has created a virtual exhibit, available on CD and online, which is aimed not at science centre visitors, but at decision makers and educators. “Safe Drinking Water is Essential” is, Ms. Shugart explained, “a tool [to be] used by people who have the expertise to share information with people.” The exhibit is organized as an interactive website with information about sources of water contamination, water treatment processes and the worldwide distribution of water. Short documentary videos and informative maps provide context for many of the world’s water problems.
All three panelists agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to water conservation education. The main goal of science centres in creating water exhibits should be to develop informed citizens who can contribute to debates about water. The only global approach that science centres can take is one that addresses personal use—issues have to be pertinent to visitors. Dr. Pearson noted that while some local issues require expensive infrastructure and a commitment from governmental organizations, many can be solved on an individual scale. Knowledge can go a long way in conserving water; for example, in Denmark all toilets must have a half-flush option. Until very recently, many North Americans didn’t even know that half-flush buttons existed on toilets.
In the discussion following the presentations, delegates from science centres around the world compared water exhibits. They also discussed the idea of a global project that science centres could conduct to address water shortages, water conservation and water use around the world.
As the session wrapped up, Mr. Sirisena urged delegates to creative initiatives that introduce children to water conservation, and added, “their enthusiasm and commitment to water is unbelievable.” Science centres are in a position to raise awareness about water in ways that are interesting, educational and fun. And as people gain a better understanding of how water cycles through their lives, they will also begin to appreciate just how valuable a resource it is.
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