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TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS
The Space Science Institute is a national leader
in developing space-themed traveling exhibitions. SSI wants
to bring the wonders of science into people's "real" world.
In partnership with scientists, space artists, designers, and education
professionals, we produce and launch stimulating, interactive exhibits
that bring accurate and timely space science results down to Earth.
SSI's exhibits bring science to life. They immerse the visitor in a world
of hands-on and minds-on activities that instruct and entertain at the same
time. How does SSI do this? The Institute manages project teams that can plan,
design, evaluate, and fabricate both large and small exhibits. SSI always enlists
the creative talents of scientists and engineers who are at the cutting edge
of the science that is the focus of the exhibit.
SSI's exhibitions incorporate hands-on, age-appropriate components
suitable for all age groups and learning styles. It also develops quality instructional
materials that extend the exhibit experience into the classroom. These
materials are standards-based and aligned with the exhibit so that teachers
can do the activities in their classroom either before or after a field-trip.
We also develop interactive web sites that extend the scope and reach of our
exhibits.
SSI’s traveling exhibit projects
are an important part of its informal science education program. Every
large exhibit project (e.g. MarsQuest and Alien Earths) has a comprehensive
education program and an associated interactive web site based on exhibit
themes. The figure below represents the interconnections between the exhibit,
education program and web site.
The exhibit is the starting point
for developing this comprehensive education product. The “big idea” and
exhibit themes are chosen to hook and inspire the public. The education
program is designed for museum educators and docents and uses the exhibit
content in its workshops. It also uses the exhibit to develop an exhibit
tour and demonstration activities. Our exhibits represent
a collaborative effort by scientists, educators, and designers to communicate
the essentials of scientific research to the public. As such, any graphics,
text, and story developed for an exhibit would constitute a valuable resource.
The Institute capitalizes on that resource by producing a Web-accessible “virtual” version
of the exhibit that can extend both its reach and scope.
