UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI
Faculty
Faculty of Education
Department
Department of Teacher Education
Author
Nikkinen, Sanna Nella Marianne
Title
Ancient cultures –exhibition in Science Centre Heureka – Science Centre exhibition and inspiration of sixth grade pupils on historical empathy
Subject
Education
Level
Pro gradu –thesis
Month and year
November 2000
Number of pages
91 pages, 2 app.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine sixth-grade students´ historical empathy in historical exhibition in science centre. Also the goals and purposes of the exhibition were evaluated. Learning of history in science centre environment was also one purpose of the study.
As a theoretical background, history was examined as science and teaching as well as from the point of historical empathy. In addition, museological and science centre philosophical aspects were investigated. Phenomenographical analysis was used as a research method.
The sample consisted of 12 interviews of sixth-graders. It was collected in the spring 2000 in the science centre Heureka during the temporary exhibition ”Ancient cultures”. The data was analyzed on the basis of Ashby & Lee´s (1987) and Shemilt´s (1984) historical empathy scales.
The results demonstrated that students were mostly on the level of everyday empathy, which is the average level of historical thinking. Only few of the students showed the most developed level of historical thinking. The aims and goals of the exhibition were accomplished in three exhibit objects selected and investigated. The study demonstrated also that a science centre could provide help on learning history and developing historical understanding if the visit in science center is properly planned.
The most important historical references were Ashby & Lee´ s and Shemilt´s, and science centre philosophy volumes by Falk & Dierking, Persson and Salmi were important.
Keywords
Science centre, science centre education, historical empathy, phenomenography
Where deposited
Library of Faculty of Education
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