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Perhaps an exhibit on the difference between objectivity and subjectivity
might help?  I looked at an exhibit I worked on recently that is among a
suite of 18 human evolution exhibits, it is about the use of the word
theory and it reminded me of what Cliff suggested, "a position statement"
is needed.
The use of correct terminology is a place to start-

Our exhibit is called "Scientific Theory... it's not just a guess!"
The "Try This:" panel states:
1.Turn a drum to read about a theory ( 4 drum examples include:
heliocentric theory, conversational use of theory, atomic theory,and human
evolution).
2.How does the common use of the word "theory" compare to the use of the
term "Scientific Theory"?

The "What's going on?" panel states:
The word Theory is commonly used to refer to ideas that are based on
personal opinion,  beliefs or hunches.  A scientific theory, however,
is an explanation of some aspect of the natural world supported by a large
body of scientifically gathered evidence.  Although a scientific theory is
always a work in progress,  it is widely accepted in the scientific
community...

When educational entities fail to communicate the most basic qualities of
science, such as evolution, the public will fail to recognize the
difference between objectivity and subjectivity.

Richard Osborn

Project Manager/Designer
St.Louis Science Center
(314) 533 8923
mobile 660 2507
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                      "(Charles Stout)"                                                                        
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                      Science Education             Subject:  Re: IMAX and evolution                           
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                      03/22/05 01:25 PM                                                                        
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ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
*****************************************************************************


Some comments on key points in this string:

Relax. Take a deep breath. Consider.

- Preference to be unemployed rather than bowing to opposing  viewpoints:
This seems a bit hyperbolic. There are too many other important  subjects
that
are at least as important as evolution. Will you give up on  those, too?
Thank
hard about that: I stopped pursuing archaeology rather than  submit to the
intellectually vacuous NAGPRA. I had a number of other interests,  so no
big deal,
but life would have been different had a chosen to stick with  it.

- Preference for dialog: Dialog to what end? "Can't we all just get along?"

Is the mission of science centers to understand and get along with critics
or
present science to those who wish to understand science? Institutions need
to
 look closely at their intended market and align that with their revenue
stream  (Does Fox "News" target you as a viewer?). Neither people nor
organizations have  ever been able to stand on principle without financial
security. So,
if the  field wishes to take a principled stand on any controversial issue,
it
must make  sure that individuals and our institutions can take care of
ourselves  and are not vulnerable to the old fashioned kind of denial of
service
attack.

- Funding sources force institutions to curb their message: And what's new

about this?

Best to all,

Charlie

Charles Stout
Media Arts Manager
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 East Ann Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48170


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