altered state climate change exhibition

ALTERED STATEClimate Change exhibition

Aaron PopeManager of Sustainability Programs

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Altered State

A long-term Academy commitment to exploring climate change

Budget: $1.8 million

Size: 10,000 square feet

Opened: September, 2008

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Research Study

Prior to final design, IMPACT conducted a research survey:

• 4,000 people, representing the Academy demographic

• Respondents asked detailed questions about the role of the Academy and other institutions in terms of:

• Environmental stewardship • Climate change education

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Survey Results – the good news

• The science of climate change is clear, and that it was an important issue:

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Survey Results – the good news

• Individuals can have a big impact:

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Survey Results – the good news

• The Academy was a trusted institution:

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Survey Results – the bad news

• Far away in time and place:

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Survey Results – more bad news

• We have plenty of time to solve climate change• It would be considered a less important topic in 5 years• People were willing to make small changes in their own lives to

respond to climate change… • but thought their neighbors should take stronger measures

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Survey integration – impact modules

• Focus less on causes, more on impacts and solutions

• Hit hard and hit home

Four, free-standing impact modules:

1. Changing oceans2. Melting snow & ice3. Hotter and dryer areas4. Extinctions

• Climate change impacts, globally and locally

• Mitigation and adaption strategies

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Survey integration – interactives

Two empowering messages:

1. Millions are people are involved worldwide

2. Academy visitors can join these efforts and

make a difference

Golden Rules:

3. Visitors want to join their peers

4. Visitors need to feel they have a real impact

5. Visitor efforts need to seem easy and manageable

6. Visitors need “a pat on the back”

7. Visitors are motivated to protect themselves, their families and their communities

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Exhibits – Altered State

Evaluation results

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Conducted by Randi Korn & Associates:

Observation data and interviews

• The exhibit succeeds in generating discussion about climate change

• The overall tone of the exhibit is good: Visitors understand it is a daunting issue but are able to cite examples of solutions

• The exhibition appeals equally to all ages

• The interactive elements are the most popular part of the exhibit and text panels the least popular

• The combination of museum specimens, videos and interactives are an important part of the learning process for many visitors

Future improvements

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• The exhibit needs an intro section with a clear, main message

• Less text panels, more interactives

• New section on the scientific consensus on climate change

• More collaboration with other museums, NGO’s, government agencies, etc.

• An evaluation of long-term behavior change impacts