Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Model-Based Analysis of the Museo Galileo Interactive Area

  • Article
  • Published:
Science & Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Science museums have demonstrated over time, and through various academic researches, to be a favorable environment to awaken the desire to learn more about scientific content, bringing visitors closer to artifacts and concepts in a different way than any other media can offer. In this research, we investigate how the public interacts with the exhibition in one of the three interactive rooms at Museo Galileo. This study was divided into two parts: the first is a non-participative observational phase, analyzing the visitors’ participation with the exhibition’s models. In this step, we collected data from 208 people. From these data, it was possible to understand the need to study further two teaching models that did not allow interaction: the models that presented Eudoxus’ System and Ptolemy’s System. The second phase was constituted of interviews involving 22 visitors, analyzing the models’ understanding and proposing an improvement in light of ergonomic interaction design. This study serves as a reflection for those who intend to develop scientific models or contemplate designing exhibitions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

Not applicable.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

Notes

  1. To understand the complexity of Eudoxus system, see the paper On the Homocentric Spheres of Eudoxus from Yavetz (1998).

References

  • Aaboe, A. (2001). Episodes from the early history of astronomy. Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ackermann, S., Kremer, R., & Miniati, M. (2014). Scientific instruments on display. Brill.

  • EP Alexander M Alexander 2006 Museums in motion: An introduction to the history and functions of museums Altamira Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/1890414

  • Bleicher, S. (2011). Contemporary color: Theory & use. Delmar Cengage Learning.

  • Bogdan, R. C., & Biklen, S. K. (2007). Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theories and methods (5th ed.). Pearson.

  • Boisvert, D. L., & Slez, B. J. (1994). The relationship between visitor characteristics and learning-associated behaviors in a science museum discovery space. Science Education, 78(2), 137–148. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.3730780203

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Botelho, A., & Morais, A. M. (2006). Students–exhibits interaction at a science center. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 43(10), 987–1018. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cain, V., & Rader, K. A. (2017). Science communication and museums’ changing roles. The Oxford Handbook of the Science of Science Communication, May 2018, 205–212. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190497620.013.23

  • Camerota, F. (Ed.). (2012a). Displaying scientific instruments: From the Medici wardrobe to the Museo Galileo. Goppio.

  • Camerota, F. (Ed.). (2012b). Galileo and the measurement of time: Interactive area. Giunti.

  • Coll, R. K., France, B., & Taylor, I. (2005). The role of models/and analogies in science education: Implications from research. International Journal of Science Education, 27(2), 183–198. https://doi.org/10.1080/0950069042000276712

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corrêa, V. M., & Boletti, R. R. (2015). Ergonomia: Fundamentos e Aplicações. Bookman Editora.

  • Dean, D. (2002). Museum exhibition: Theory and practice (1st ed.) Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203039366

  • Dul, J., & Weerdmeester, B. (2008). Ergonomics for beginners: A quick reference guide . London, Taylor and Francis, 1993. CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-8141(94)90083-3

  • Durant, J. R. (1996). Science museums, or just museums of science? In S. M. Pearce (Ed.), Exploring Science in Museums (pp. 148–161). A&C Black.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durant, J. R., Evans, G. A., & Thomas, G. P. (1989). The public understanding of science. Nature, 340(6228), 11–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/340011a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Falcão, D., Colinvaux, D., Krapas, S., Querioz, G., Alves, F., Cazelli, S., Valente, M. E., & Gouvea, G. (2004). A model-based approach to science exhibition evaluation: A case study in a Brazilian astronomy museum. International Journal of Science Education, 26(8), 951–978. https://doi.org/10.1080/1468181032000158363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Falk, J. H., & Dierking, L. D. (2000). Learning from museums: Visitor experiences and the making of meaning. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

  • Falk, J. H., & Storksdieck, M. (2010). Science learning in a leisure setting. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 47(2), 194–212. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20319

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faria, C., Guilherme, E., Gaspar, R., & Boaventura, D. (2015). History of science and science museums: An enriching partnership for elementary school science. Science & Education, 24(7–8), 983–1000. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-015-9773-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faure, G., & Mensing, T. M. (2007). Introduction to planetary science: The geological perspective. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Filippoupoliti, A., & Koliopoulos, D. (2014). Informal and non-formal education: An outline of history of science in museums. Science & Education, 23(4), 781–791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-014-9681-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freire, P. (2013). Pedagogia do oprimido. Paz e Terra. 978–85–7753–228–5

  • Friedman, A. J. (2010). The evolution of the science museum. Physics Today, 63(10), 45–51. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3502548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, T. (2010). Form and object: A treatise on things. Edinburgh University Press Ltd.

  • Gilbert, J. K., & Boulter, C. J. (2000). Developing models in science education. In J. K. Gilbert & C. J. Boulter (Eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0876-1

  • Gilbert, S. W. (1991). Model building and a definition of science. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 28(1), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.3660280107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hammerness, K., MacPherson, A., & Gupta, P. (2016). Developing a research agenda aimed at understanding the teaching and learning of science at a natural history museum. Curator: The Museum Journal, 59(4), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12178

  • Hancock, M., Wood, K., Rowthorn, M., Badger, B., Abouzahr, A., Woods, A., Sturt, C. A., Koudijs, K., Kinkey, M., Greveson, R., Myers, R., Wheeler, S., & Brasher, W. (2010). Helping the user fail: Ergonomic modalities and distraction. In W. Karwowski & G. Salvendy (Eds.), Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare. CRC Press.

  • E Hooper-Greenhill 2010 Museums and the shaping of knowledge Routledge.  https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203415825

  • J Hyman 2006 The objective eye: Color, form, and reality in the theory of art University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-594x.2007.00277_1.x

  • IIda, I., & Buarque, L. (2016). Ergonomia: projeto e produção. Blucher.

  • Jeffery-Clay, K. R. (1998). Constructivism in museums: How museums create meaningful learning environments. Journal of Museum Education, 23(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10598650.1998.11510362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, M. L., Chekour, A., Vaughn, A. R., & Taasoobshirazi, G. (2019). Softening the landing: Approaches to facilitating conceptual change for science museum educators. Journal of Museum Education, 44(3), 325–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/10598650.2019.1621647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jordanova, L. (2006). Objects of knowledge: A historical perspective on museums. In P. Vergo (Ed.), The New Museology (6th ed., pp. 22–40). Reaktion Books.

  • Kalakoski, V. (2019). Cognitive ergonomics is a matter of cognitive factors. CEUR Workshop Proceedings, 2539, 46–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krange, I., Silseth, K., & Pierroux, P. (2020). Peers, teachers and guides: A study of three conditions for scaffolding conceptual learning in science centers. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 15(1), 241–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-018-9905-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laugksch, R. C. (2000). Scientific literacy : A conceptual overview. Science Education, 84(1), 71–94. https://doi.org/0036-8326/00/010071-24

  • Linton, C. M. (2004). From Eudoxus to Einstein: A history of mathematical astronomy. Cambridge University Press.

  • Locker, P. (2011). Exhibition design: Basic interior design. AVA BOOK Publisher.

  • Martin, A. J., Durksen, T. L., Williamson, D., Kiss, J., & Ginns, P. (2016). The role of a museum-based science education program in promoting content knowledge and science motivation. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 53(9), 1364–1384. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21332

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenna-Cress, P., & Kamien, J. (2013). Creating exhibitions: Collaboration in the planning, development, and design of innovative experiences. Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miles, R., & Tout, A. (1992). Exhibitions and the public understanding of science. In J. Durant (Ed.), Museums and the public understanding of science (pp. 27–33). NMSI Trading Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Museo Galileo. (2015). Catalogue of the Museo Galileo’s instruments on display (Issue November, p. 539). Museo Galileo. https://catalogue.museogalileo.it/down/download.php?get=https://video.museogalileo.it/cat/download/MuseoGalileoCatalogue.pdf&title=MuseoGalileoCatalogue.pdf. Accessed 21 July 2019.

  • Oppenheimer, F. (2010). A rationale for a science museum. Curator: The Museum Journal, 11(3), 206–209. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2151-6952.1968.tb00891.x

  • Rennie, L. J., & McClafferty, T. P. (1996). Science Centres and science learning. Studies in Science Education, 27(1), 53–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057269608560078

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serrell, B. (2015). Exhibit labels: An interpretative approach. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

  • Shaby, N., Ben-ZviAssaraf, O., & Tal, T. (2019). An examination of the interactions between museum educators and students on a school visit to science museum. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 56(2), 211–239. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaby, N., & Vedder-Weiss, D. (2019). Science identity trajectories throughout school visits to a science museum. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, September, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21608

  • Sheng, C. W., & Chen, M. C. (2012). A study of experience expectations of museum visitors. Tourism Management, 33(1), 53–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2011.01.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silverstone, R. (2012). The medium is the museum: On objects and logics in times and spaces: Roger Silverstone. In J Durant (Ed.), Towards the Museum of the Future (pp. 164–179). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203083086-21

  • The Royal Society Reports. (1986). Public understanding of science. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 11(3), 53–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, G. (1992). How Eureka! The children’s museum responds to visitors’ needs. In J. Durant (Ed.), Museums and the Public Understanding of Science (pp. 88–93). NMSI Trading Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vu, K.-P. L., & Proctor, R. W. (2017). Handbook of human factors in web design (2nd ed.). Crc Press.

  • Walhimer, M. (2015). Keyguide to information sources in museum studies. Mansell Publishing Limited.

  • Wellington, J. (1990). Formal and informal learning in science: The role of the interactive science centres. Physics Education, 25(5), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9120/25/5/307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Will, L. (1992). Providing information, promoting understanding. In John Durant (Ed.), Museums and the Public Understanding of Science. NMSI Trading Ltd.

  • Woodhead, P., & Stansfield, G. (1994). Keyguide to information sources in museum studies. Mansell.

  • Yavetz, I. (1998). On the homocentric spheres of Eudoxus. Archive for History of Exact Sciences, 52(3), 221–278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004070050017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ziman, J. (1991). Public understanding of science. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 16(1), 99–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We authors appreciate the Museo Galileo for welcoming us and allowing our research.

Funding

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Paraná, Brazil

    Débora Amaral Taveira Mello & Marcos Cesar Danhoni Neves

  2. Universidade Tecnológica Federal Do Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

    Alexandre José Tuoto Silveira Mello & Giovana Blitzkow Scucato dos Santos

Authors
  1. Débora Amaral Taveira Mello
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Marcos Cesar Danhoni Neves
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Alexandre José Tuoto Silveira Mello
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Giovana Blitzkow Scucato dos Santos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

MCDN is the supervisor in DATM PhD’s work. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Débora Amaral Taveira Mello.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Appendix

Appendix

Figure 

Fig. 17
figure 17

Non-participative observation investigation research instrument. Notes: Numbering 1 to 10: models evaluated. O, observe; C, communicate; H, handle; R, read; P, photograph. Observations: Gen, general observations; Ball, having trouble to find the ball or not being able to; CH, adult accompanied by a child; Dif 6 GU, difficulties with model 6 (it could be other) gave up. Time, T.1, time spent in the room; T.2, extra time if returned. Mello, D. A. T. (2020). Design e ergonomia na divulgação da ciência e a questão dos museus para a alfabetização científica: o caso do Museo Galileo. [Doctoral dissertation, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná] Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná Research Repository. http://repositorio.roca.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/24488

Full size image

17

Figure 

Fig. 18
figure 18

Questionnaire about the concept/phenomenon this model was trying to portrait. Notes: Eudoxus’ System. Earth: Question “Which sphere is the Earth?”. Sphere: Question “What is the other sphere?”. A, orange sphere; B, blue sphere; P, any planet; S, Sun; O, other celestial body; M, Moon. ? Did not know/did not answer. Ptolemy’s System. Earth: Question “Which sphere is the Earth?”. Sphere (B): Question “What is the other sphere (B)?”. Sphere (C): Question “What is the other sphere (C)?”. A, Blue with continent texture; B, yellow sphere; C, blue sphere; ?, did not know/did not answer. Phenomena: Question “What is the phenomena it is trying to present?”. E, epicycle; SS, solar system; O, other phenomena. Note: For people who were wrong about the Earth (A), the letter corresponding to the planet he indicated becomes the letter A in the table. Mello, D. A. T. (2020). Design e ergonomia na divulgação da ciência e a questão dos museus para a alfabetização científica: o caso do Museo Galileo. [Doctoral dissertation, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná] Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná Research Repository. http://repositorio.roca.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/24488

Full size image

18

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mello, D.A.T., Neves, M.C.D., Mello, A.J.T.S. et al. A Model-Based Analysis of the Museo Galileo Interactive Area. Sci & Educ 32, 1197–1219 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-022-00360-0

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-022-00360-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation