Dirk,
I think Janice is right. A good combination of information and
entertainment seems a likely route. Evolutionary theory is very
straightforward in concept and very complex in practice. It can be rather
dry and sound convoluted. Some of the best exhibitions I have seen involve
good graphics and models/dioramas that actually show the various stages
within a certain creature's evolution. How the
bones/skin/fur/coloration/behavior/etc adapted to suit certain
environments, and most importantly what they looked like before. Working
the elements together to show how they fit into the bigger picture is
sometimes left short.
That seems to be the best way to present the complexity in a form that can
be easily and quickly assimilated. Our younger generations like
interactivity and computer availability, so that would certainly be useful.
Perhaps even games that work on the topics, such as the various forms of
games that allow one to create virtual situations and creatures that evolve
over time. We have to find ways to keep it interesting and relevant to
current situations.
I wonder if trying to show too much at once would be a problem. Perhaps
sticking to just fish evolution, or primates, or whales would be more
effective. Martin's idea about insect/epidemiology evolution in relation to
modern society is great.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Dirk Van
Tuerenhout
<[log in to unmask]> To
Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask]
discussion list cc
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject
Re: Godwin's Law and the thread on
evolution & ID
07/05/2005 03:06
PM
Please respond to
Museum discussion
list
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
I agree. When I see Hitler invoked, I cannot help but think that
rational thought has just gone out of the window.
It is interesting that I received only one reaction to a question I
posed a few weeks ago: how does one make science (and especially
evolution) attractive again for the general public? This is a question
I ask without wanting to be condescending; we all have read science
texts that really pulled us in and others that we had to put down
because they were just too awful.
I keep wondering then: How does one proceed teaching about evolution in
a way that engages people and allows them to come to a better
understanding of this fascinating topic, and all this without resorting
to soundbites(like the one I reacted to)?
Thanks
Dirk Van Tuerenhout
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Mark Janzen
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 2:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Godwin's Law and the thread on evolution & ID
Dirk,
I stand firmly astride Godwin's Law and proclaim it "just a theory!"
Perhaps I am just to stubborn to allow such a comparison to disrupt
rational thought.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Dirk Van
Tuerenhout
<[log in to unmask]>
To
Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask]
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cc
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
Subject
Godwin's Law and the thread on
evolution & ID
07/05/2005 02:30
PM
Please respond to
Museum discussion
list
<[log in to unmask]
SE.LSOFT.COM>
I guess we have come to the end of this discussion. Godwin's law has
been
invoked.
(See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law)
" I think you find suppression of thought or different points of views
coming from Hitler or other types of governments (as mentioned,
previously
in these postings), not in a country that is suppose to allow freedom
and
teach all points of view."
Dirk Van Tuerenhout
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of John Martinson
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 12:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Leggy my Ego: A simple man's view of Evolution & ID
IMHO, and I am sorry to disagree, but separation of Church and State is
not
allowing the government to enforce, create or accept any or just one
church. And yes, I understand it is more than tthat, but it has nothing
to
do with a private (or even public) museum putting on an exhibit,
displaying
or providing learning experiences to the public on a point of view such
as
if man evolved from a lower life form or created by a Higher Being.
There is also constitutional rights of free speech, and part of that
would
imply to museums having the right to present any point of view it deems
necessary, supporting its mission or simply providing the public with
both
sides of the story so the visitor can learn both views and make up their
own mind. Isn't that the process/purpose of museums and the learning
process?
I'm sorry, but I cannot see anything in the Constitution that mentions
that
a museum "cannot" create exhibits or discuss learning programs about
where
man came from, be it from a higher intelligence or from the Big Bang or
out-of-the-swamp theory. Saying public schools and museums can only
discuss, teach or exhibit only one theory [such as evolution, but not
religion] is an invalid claim or deduction.
Our Founding (USA) Father's writings are full of comments of a higher
being, creator, or God, and no where do they say that God or religion
cannot be discussed, exhibited in a museum or that museum cannot have an
outside organization come in and use their establishment to express
another
point of view. I think you find suppression of thought or different
points
of views coming from Hitler or other types of governments (as mentioned,
previously in these postings), not in a country that is suppose to allow
freedom and teach all points of view. Because a museum receives public
funding should not stop it from expressing all points of views or is the
government stopping expression of thought and speech?
"Question with boldness even the existence of a god." - Thomas Jefferson
(letter to Peter Carr, 10 August 1787)
Simply, putting on an exhibit, lecture or whatever in a museum, is a
valid
approach to questioning the "existence of god", plus allowing a forum
for
expression and the learning process. Having (or is it forcing???) only
"evolution" seems to me to be returning to the jolly good ole' days of
King
and force. That's one reason I was happy just celebrate the 4th of July
yesterday.
What joy I have in going into a museum where THEY do not make up my mind
(through their exhibits or programs) by cramming down my throat a
specific
view they support, but fail to present more than one or different
avenues
of approach to how something is or came to be, so I can learn or draw
new
thoughts into my life and thought process. By not allowing more than
one
view * isn't that exactly what a museum would be doing? And that is
not a
proper way to "educate" and allow the public to learn. Museums have no
right to say this is that and you cannot do learn both views, nor is it
the
governments!
How sad that any nation would allow such "force" concepts, in that only
one
theory or belief can be taught, and that is what I am hearing by some on
this list such as only science can be taught in a museum. God! (excuse
the
expression) that is a totally illogical approach to true learning!
"That religion, or the duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of
discharging it, can
be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and
therefore all men
are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the
dictates of conscience." - Patrick Henry (Virginia Bill of Rights,
June
12, 1776.)
What better place to carry forth that idea than in the halls of learning
(schools AND museums). But *- some say not in either? Then where?
Isn't
it wrong (not singling out anyone now) to stifle free thinking and
learning? Who is to say that science and religion cannot go
hand-in-hand,
and that someday they may someday just "merge" as one? Really, they
both
deal with theory----and unconcluded fact *- and rest on faith until
another
theory or archaeological site pulls up more evidence.
Thomas Jefferson to Van der Kemp, 1820 wrote:
"The genuine and simple religion of Jesus will one day be restored: such
as
it was preached and practised by himself. Very soon after his death it
became muffled up in mysteries, and has been ever since kept in
concealment
from the vulgar eye. To penetrate and dissipate these clouds of
darkness,
the general mind must be strengthened by education".
Again, let us NOT forget that is the purpose of museums to educate * and
surely they should not be bound by the government, museum boards or
personal opinions on achieving that direction. It is not their duty to
teach all truths or theories, allowing the public to learn and gain
their
own insight on what philosophy, theory, fact or reality to follow?
There
is no law that states that "religion can only be taught in churches" and
not in museums or schools. And to this individual, teaching where man
came from be it from a God or from the swamp, is not teaching religion.
If
museums start baptizing and annoiting or speaking in tongues * then this
guy will worry!
Indeed, teaching a one-sided point of view (be it creationism or
evolution)
is a totally erroneous approach to the mission of museums as a "hall of
learning," and presenting a one sided, slanted story is not the true
approach to teaching and the learning process. I would NOT consider
that
museum to be a museum where one is force to accept their point of view.
John
Boise, ID (that is Idaho)
>>> [log in to unmask] 7/5/2005 9:58:35 AM >>>
This discussion, while interesting, has moved far from the original
point .
. . and has not produced new insights.
(snip)
.....Where there is heartburn is over what should be taught in public
schools,
sponsored by government museums, etc. As the ID perspective is based on
religion, and the USA still has a separation of church and state (last
time
I checked), it does not belong in public schools, government museums,
etc.
Ultimately, museum professionals have mission statements to follow,
boards
to direct or advise our activities, and audiences to serve. Whether you
are
at a government-sponsored or private museum, you'll develop (or wait
until
you hear) official policy regarding intelligent design. If you don't
agree
with your museum's policy, you'll fight it or seek employment elsewhere.
It's really that simple.
Best,
Jay Heuman
Curator of Education
Salt Lake Art Center
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