Of course when the challenge is put to museum L - I suspect that mine is
only the first of many examples cited.

In our region of the country there is an excellent forprofit "theme park" -
Marine World Africa USA in Vallejo, CA.  Marine animals and land animals
from Africa are on display in naturalistic environments and there is
interpretation - of a distinctly educational and scientific point of view.

 They have outdoor program theaters where they bring out different live
animals and tell you about the animals habitats and point out its unique
ecologoical niche and behaviors.  They also talk about possible
endangerment of some species and what you can do to help preserve these
animals.  The thrust of the programs are that these animals are fascinating
and amazing creatures that we should preserve and value.  They also tell
you why these animals ended up in captivity -  an injury, rescued from a
zoo, seized in customs as they were being smuggled in, or part of breeding
program.

Another wonderful exhibit is a large room like a green house that is full
of plants and different species of butterflies.  It is completely magical
to walk through the fluttering multi-colored creatures and stop to watch
the butterflies feed off exotic plants. The concept of eco-niches for
certain species is put across here as well.  You can also peer through
glass at cocoons and  a hatching nursery.

I think it's too limiting to assume that we can divide everything out there
and everything that is to come - into "entertainment" and "education".
When an anteater is brought in front of you - people can't help but be
transfixed and amused by it and be primed to hear more.  Let's not assume
that we are walking a knife edge and that we have to choose sides. After
all Disney himself pioneered and underwrote some of the best and most
advanced nature documentaries ever made under the umbrella of his TV
series.  He urged his documentary makers in science and nature to do the
research with the experts and excite kids about science and nature through
this work.  I think we should take a closer look at successful examples of
positive "affective" AND instructive exhibitions in the for-profit and
non-profit world where there is a natural incorporation of the aspects that
naturally delight and attract - eliting curiosity, using humor, celebrating
whimsey, paying attention to drama and aesthetics, etc.

>     Well, lets get to specifics. Is there anyone here who can name a
>     for profit theme park that doesn't grossly distort
>     historical/scientific/ecological/etc. issues? I sure am not
>     familiar with too many theme parks, but I'm thinking of the
>     Disney model.
>
>     Perfectly willing to be shown wrong on this.
>
>     Eric Siegel
>     [log in to unmask]

Claire Pillsbury, Exhibit Developer,
email - [log in to unmask]    TEL: 408-279-7136, FAX: 408-279-7197

Tech Museum of Innovation
145 West San Carlos Street
San Jose, CA  95113-2006
USA