2b Exploratorium

1. Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .25 points
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratorium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Oppenheimer


2. Contains a brief paragraph how it connects to your study of humanities. 1 point

The Exploratorium relates to our study of humanities because it combines many aspects of our culture into one place. Not only does the exploratorium offer interactive science exhibits but it also offers many visual arts for people to take in. It brings people together as well for some of the exhibits have people working with one another or at least interacting on the same thing. The museum brings people from all different cultures together helping them to learn through a hands on process instead of simply having to read and memorize the information presented.

Contains the following "analytical elements":
a. Observation: What did you choose? What do you see or hear or feel or think of in the choice you made? What is the subject of the work? If you chose a 'thing' what is the work made of and what techniques (colors, lines, shapes, textures)does the creator use? Be specific in your description. If you chose a place, be specific in your description of what you see or hear. Talk to your reader as though they cannot see the item but somehow must draw a painting of what you see or hear. 1 point

I chose the Exploratorium. Pushing through the doors I sigh a little sigh of relief. I have finally been able to reach my destination after standing in line behind a visiting school, a rather common obstacle that stands between those coming to the exploratorium on their own and the building itself. None to my surprise I am met with hundreds more people within the museum, bustling about and talking loudly trying to out speak the people next to them. Upon my first observations that disregard the other people I notice the establishment has two stories, both lined with odd contraptions. Children and adults alike are laughing and playing with the strange set-ups. It's all so much to take in that I feel as though I can only make out bright and abundants colors mixed with the constant products of the experiments being conducted.

b. Interpretation: What is your choice about? Give specific examples to support this statement in 2 sentences; do so in a way that teaches us something about your choice. Make Paulo Freire proud! .75 point

The exploratorium was created by Frank Oppenheimer, a man who believed that science should be fun. Oppenheimers mission still shines through in the establishment today as can be seen by the thousands of people who visit the exploratorium each year and often return throughout their lives. The exploritorium was also created in order for people of all ages to enjoy and benefit from the experiances offered. It gives people the chance to learn but still be playing which often helps individuals to retain information. Through the hands on science exhibits, the exploratorium offers the ability for "students" to teach themselves rather than listen to lectures on how something should work.

c. Judgment: What led you to your choice? What do you think or feel about this choice? Why do you feel this way? Support your thoughts with specific observations. .5 point
I have visited the Exploratorium many times in my life either with my science classes or with my family. Each time I have learned many surprising and new things that, had I learned in the classroom I more than likely would have forgotten. I feel that the exploratorium is a great place for people to learn and grow especially in the sciences, which is often a scary subject for some. I think that those lucky enough to go will be able to pik up valuable if not fun information that they can proud to know. Overall the exploratorium is a great to tool to our society.

d. Questioning: What else would you like to know about this choice? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience. Example: I learned that John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath was based on his personal experience working with farm workers. I would like to know if the characters he used in that book are fictitious or are they people he met? .5 point

Frank Oppenheimer created the exploratorium to make science fun for all ages. I wonder what dorve him to want to make science fun for people?

5. Using your classmates work from last week, tell us one thing you learned from 1 student. Is this one thing some common experience you share or some experience that is completely different than what you experienced? Is this one thing related to our class theoretical foundation and if so, how? Is that one thing related to historical or cultural context of this country or a different one? Link that persons blog to this entry (eg cut paste that blog entry here) . .5 point

I chose to read Sheena Dudleys blog on Cabo San Lucas. I learned that historically some believe that Cabo was the landing spot for the first humans 14,000 years ago on the southern end of the peninsula. I also learned that cabo provides a look at the intellectual skills and knowledge of the Mexican culture. All of this relates to our class because it is taking a look at a culture other than our own and letting us gain information on them. By being able to gain an idea of the Mexican cultures intellectual skills we are given the opportunity to better understand a different cultures education system.
http://sheenadudley.blogspot.com/2008/09/2a-cabo-san-lucas.html