In April 2023, the MSU Museum served as the inaugural host for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service’s (SITES) latest exhibition, “Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest.” This captivating exhibition explores the vast biodiversity and worldwide importance of the Boreal Forest. More than just an exhibition, it represents an educational odyssey, enriched with personal stories, specially commissioned pieces, interactive features, and breathtaking visual media. Addressing vital topics such as climate change and Indigenous viewpoints, the exhibition seeks to spark curiosity, nurture empathy, and inspire active participation among its visitors.
MSU Museum’s Unique Contribution
The Smithsonian’s choice of the MSU Museum as the exhibition’s launch site speaks volumes about the unique research and innovation capabilities of the MSU campus. This collaboration has led to significant advancements, particularly in making the exhibition accessible to a broader range of visitors, including those with visual impairments and younger audiences.
Advancing Accessibility: A Digital Concierge
The MSU Museum, collaborating with the Smithsonian Institution, introduced a specialized digital concierge service designed for visitors with visual impairments. This groundbreaking initiative, leveraging RFID technology, was brought to fruition by a committed team of MSU students. Over a period of six months, they developed an application that tailors the exhibition experience, significantly enhancing its accessibility and interactivity. This project not only improves the museum experience for visually impaired guests but also positions the MSU Museum as a leader in creating inclusive and accessible cultural experiences.
A Game for Engaging Young Minds
Acknowledging the importance of captivating a younger audience, the MSU Museum convened an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate students to develop a smartphone game that merges education with entertainment. Ingeniously woven into the fabric of the “Knowing Nature” exhibition, this game offers an interactive and delightful experience for visitors across all age groups. Set amidst the backdrop of the Boreal Forest, the game presents a series of resource-management puzzles, challenging players to navigate environmental decisions thoughtfully, thereby imparting lessons on the fragile equilibrium of nature. This method of integrating gameplay with learning not only demonstrates innovation but also harmonizes exquisitely with the exhibition’s overarching educational objectives.
Looking Ahead
The role of the MSU Museum in the “Knowing Nature” exhibition transcends mere hosting and content contribution. It represents a paradigm shift in the realm of academic museum experiences, skillfully intertwining technology, educational insights, and inclusivity. As the exhibition embarks on its national tour, the innovative technologies and concepts developed here will accompany it, exemplifying MSU’s dedication to innovation and educational excellence. Furthermore, this collaboration with the Smithsonian has opened doors to invaluable, career-defining opportunities for MSU students, granting them the platform to utilize their skills in a practical environment and effect meaningful change.
