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COMMUNITY:
Project Descriptions

CRPA: How do We Learn the Fate of Tropical Forests under Climate Change? -- A Multimedia Exhibition of Photographic Art Portraying Scientists and Students at Work in Amazonia

August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2014 | Exhibitions
This CRPA project is about research on climate change impacts in the Amazonian rain forest and about motivating youth to consider science as a career objective. The project is an exhibit in Biosphere 2 in Arizona wherein a rain forest is maintained and will be used to augment the exhibit of large photos of scientists doing research. Particular attention will be paid to female scientists to motivate young girls. Biosphere 2 and the Girl Scout Council of Southern Arizona will collaborate to attract girls through free admission days to Biosphere 2. These large photos will be equipped with sound and video so that as a visitor approaches the photo, the sounds of the forest as well as the researcher(s) will be heard. At this point the researcher, in the photograph, will begin a monologue with the visitor explaining what scientists are investigating and who the other workers are. In this monologue, the researcher will explain what they are doing specifically, why they are investigating this subject, and what they plan to derive as a scientific result. The exhibit will consist of fifty very large photographs (3x5 feet) with sound access via smart phones and headsets. In addition, there will be hands on equipment and docents for questions and discussion. The venue receives about 100,000 visitors per year consisting mainly of families, tourists, and clubs. Through this exhibit, the researchers intend to motivate youth to develop interests in STEM topics. Girls are the main target audience. For families and tourists, the exhibit communicates the message of how science is being used to determine the effect of climate change on rain forests and how that would affect other aspects of weather and the global environment.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 1209899
Funding Amount: 149797

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Scott Saleska
    Principal Investigator
    University of Arizona
  • Bruce Johnson
    Co-Principal Investigator
    University of Arizona
  • Joost van Haren
    Co-Principal Investigator
    University of Arizona
  • REVISE logo
    Co-Principal Investigator
    University of Arizona
  • Discipline: Art, music, and theater | Climate | Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Nature of science
    Audience: Families | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits
    Access and Inclusion: Women and Girls

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