- Posters, Placards, and Augmented Reality: An Out-of-Home Multi Media exhibit that includes a series of 12 placards, posters, and multi-media materials designed to engage riders with climate change science launched on Oct. 1, 2013. Each placard and poster ran for one month, being replaced by the next one in the series. Each placard and poster stood alone as a meaningful informal science learning opportunity. However, the placards also worked together as related and complementary messages. Along the border of each placard, digital interactivity and connection options [such as AR, website address, a number for texting, and a Quick Response (QR) Code], were available so as to provide maximum access to the virtual dimensions of the exhibit.
Sciencetogo.org: The placards and posters‘ virtual options included the Sciencetogo.org website being developed by the Boston Museum of Science (MoS). The front page of the site changed with each new placard/poster in the series so that visitors will recognize the page as an extension of the transit media. Each concept introduced by a placard will be more thoroughly explained with an array of options for further learning such as games, video clips, animations, images, podcasts, or direct visitors to explore exceptional, credible, and accessible resources about climate change already available on the web. For those who learn best by participating, the site will offer options to interact with others around the science of climate change. In addition, the website will maintain a calendar of relevant local events. Finally, visitors were able to access all Science Express project partners‘ websites.- Virtual Interactive Model: An important component of Sciecetogo.org is a visualization model addressing key climate change topics. It included, for example, a new representation of the carbon cycle that helps visitors understand the greenhouse effect, the interaction between atmosphere and ocean, and thus the time lags associated with any mitigation efforts. The aim is to provide an effective and intriguing tool, useful both to individuals and classroom teachers that is available through mobile and stationary computing platforms.
- Informal Science Learning Network (ISLN): We expect a significant number of visitors to Sciencetogo.org. Some of those visitors will want to use social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter to stay connected to the Science Express project. We expect this connection to take place in two forms: information shared with participants such as new developments in climate science; or announcements of project-related information, such as new placards on the T or a Science Express presentation and discussion at the Museum, and opportunities for discussion among network participants, Museum staff, and/or scientists. Building upon the learning community established through the ISLN, the Museum staff will on occasion conduct presentations and/or discussions in the Museum for face-to-face contact with members of the public as they discuss these topics and ask questions. As social media technology and the public‘s use patterns evolve during the project, we anticipate our use of the website, social media, and face-to-face programs will change accordingly.
