Favorite Object: The Wagner Free Institute of Science

Just a warning- I plan to unleash a great deal of my science nerd potential during this post. 

The Wagner Free Institute of Science was a fantastic way to bring closure to the end of this exciting adventure of Museum Practicum. It has been on my list of places to visit before the start of Graduate School, and when I saw it on the syllabus the first day, I was excited to know I would finally be going there. After going there, I enjoyed its charm, and immediately knew of several close friends who will also love this place. I think the exciting thing about the Wagner will be sharing it with someone else, as I'm already planning my returning visits.

The lecture hall is what sold me right from the start. Within seconds of walking in and being there, bam: there was the bang that that we were ending the semester with. It was amazing. Like walking into a movie or being transported to the Victorian era of science. Now my immediate thoughts of the Victorian age of science take me to Nicola Tesla: scientist bad-a**, who has lately been getting the credit he is owed, and gaining in popularity. 

Can't you imagine the set up of this lecture hall being identical to one at the Wagner? Wowing all the other white men (ahem) of the time of his amazing feats?
Image: http://explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?imgId=1-2-14D4

Images: http://www.diffusionradio.com/2010/04/doc_oc_element_117_and_nikola.html, http://www.teslasociety.com/serbia150.htm

However, the Wagner focuses on the Natural Sciences, which are interesting too (though Tesla Coils and vandergraph generators hold a bigger piece of my heart). Joseph Leidy was a pretty cool vertebrate paleontologist too.

Leidy with a part of the Hadrosaurus Folkii skeleton. (the one we saw in the closet at the Academy)
Image: http://explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?imgId=1-2-14D4 

To focus on a single object in the collection is again a challenge. However, I was drawn to the mineral collection... again. While we have not had a chances to encounter collections of minerals, I have found in my own museum visitation experience in the last 8 or so years that the mineral collection is where I like to be. I do not have a favorite mineral (yet) but I have always liked calcite. 

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wagnerfreeinstitute/6836332243/in/set-72157627054737929

Calcite Specimen

Purchased in 1908

CaCO3 - Calcium Carbonate

Wagner Collection 

Maybe it’s the fact that it fizzes when diluted hydrochloric acid is dropped on it, or that it makes up snail shells, or that the ocean floor is made up of it due to a simpler model of the circle of life, but I find it to be a very interesting mineral. However, I had no idea that it could take up so many shapes and crystalline structures. It was amazing. I wondered if it was something everyone knew and I was just unaware of this common fact, but even as I speaking with Museum Educator Jessica Bachrach, she mentioned one of her favorite things in the collection was all the different types of calcite, I knew it was an impressive collection of calcite. The cleavage (not that kind!!) and crystalline structure were what interested me the most and the way it formed in so many ways. Single planes, twos, threes, and so forth. The triangular specimens were my favorite because of the geometric pattern it created. 

Image: http://nhmu.utah.edu/

Image: http://www.matsminerals.com/calcitSM-54.jpg

http://www.gemstones-guide.com/Calcite.html

Image: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/calcite

The objects, originally came from mineralogist Charles H. Pennypacker. In 1908 they were purchased as a 24-piece collection. They are on display in a case with other calcite specimens, and the hand-written calligraphy labels describing them. Having a full case full of the specimens allowed for comparisons in shape, size, color, and crystalline structure. Basically the things that any first time geologist is taught to look for, minus the hardness (which is a 3 on Moh's Hardness scale by the way). 

Fields of study to explore would be mineralogy. By learning more about mineral development would explain to me how calcite forms in so many ways, and what it means when it does. Or even better, find myself a time machine and attend this lecture from Mr. Wagner himself: 

Image: http://www.pachs.net/about/view/hendrick_manufacturing/

Those not interested in this object could be those with a greater interest in physical sciences and not the biological and natural science fields. Again, Tesla being electrifying.

Image: http://fierofredo.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/happy-nikola-tesla-day/

Those not interested and opposing views could also be those with little interest in geology and minerals, and find them to just be "rocks" and exploring calcite would not be a field relevant the present since it has already been discovered, analyzed, and explained. However, calcite and limestone have a role in Global Climate change since it absorbs carbon dioxide and stores it. 

Experience and programming could be just to learn more about rocks and minerals! Lots of activities exist to learn about mineral characteristics, and testing hardness and identifying minerals. That way when you are out on hike or find a cool rock you can identify what it is or what is in it. 

To sum up my feelings about the Wagner, Science, Victorian Aesthetics, and Tesla, this advertisement piece done for an event at the Wagner summarizes my feelings nicely.

Image: http://geekadelphia.com/2012/10/25/a-sip-of-science-electrifying-2012-annual-benefit-cocktail-party-at-the-wagner-free-institute-of-science/

Favorite Object: African American Museum in Philadelphia

Don't Tread on Me

2011

Caste Rubber, Found Materials, and Tread

Christopher Carter

The Stalwart installation by Christopher Carter is a collection of pieces and sculptures made from found objects. The exhibition is on display until December 31, 2012 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP). Many of the materials used in the sculptures came from an abandoned barn in Connecticut where the artist is originally from. The pieces have a common symbolism of flags and stars throughout the installation. I chose the piece "Don't Tread on Me", since it was one of the pieces I felt that clearly stated its idea as a flag. The symmetry and pattern to the piece is very similar to flags flown around the world, and shows how flags are a universally understood concept. This piece has a literal component to it with the title being "Don't Tread on Me" and having an actual tire tread as a focal point to this piece. I like this play on word and I like the use of the tire tread in this piece. I also remember Adrienne Whaley, the Curator of Education, telling us how the artist's idea of flags and symbolism and what flag burning represent and if he were to create his own flag, it would have to be something very difficult to burn. Looking at this piece, seeing all the rubber and the tire being used, I know it would certainly be something very difficult to burn. 

This object is on display on the wall with its text piece alongside of it. Nearby are two more wall pieces. They also have the look and feel of representing flags. The installation in the first gallery has a lot of wall pieces, and surrounds the perimeter. The second gallery space has a few more larger sculptures, including some that the visitor can walk 360 degrees around.  

A background in architecture and building conservation would be beneficial to have a better understanding of some of the found objects that are used in the installation. It would be interesting to know what exactly the small hair-pin like objects that are in this object is and what they are usually used for. Was it a part of a machine? Did they hold together large skeins of rope? It would provide another level of insight and interpretation to the objects. 

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those who don't like this more rustic and modern style of art and sculpture. Those who prefer a more classic and elegant style aesthetic, rather than this more Americana and craft style. Some of the pieces are overwhelming with materials and can convey a lot of emotions and feelings. 

Opposing views would find these pieces to be too cluttered and confusing to be interpreted. This piece in particular, some would find the title to be misleading and think of the Gadsden Flag, and interpret the meaning of this piece in an entirely different way. 

Gadsden Flag

Programming ideas could be to have participants design their own flags or pieces that symbolize something important to them. Flags could be made from found materials and can be displayed in any fashion that the participant sees fit. 

Favorite Object: Penn Museum

Okay... this was not an easy assignment. How would one simply chose a "favorite object" in this museum full of beautiful and significant objects? Statistically, it wasn't even possible... I didn't even see all of the objects so how can I name one of them my "favorite"? During our field trip I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't focus on any objects knowing there are hundreds more in the same room. I wanted to give every object a chance, which quickly became a daunting task seeing as every object was significant, important, intriguing, beautiful, and, in some cases, a favorite object to someone else at one time. I went back to the Penn Museum over break, to give myself more time and not rush, and still felt that there was no way to choose one object. Even reviewing my photos, I still can't decide. Oy.

My visits to the Penn Museum were unreal. I didn't know what to expect when I first visited. I had no idea how large it was, how it was laid out, and what type of things I would see. The Egyptian Galleries gave me chills. Viewing the Chinese and Japanese collections under the spacious Rotunda was surreal and made me feel tiny and small, but in an awestruck sort of way. The combination of objects and artifacts with their history was a lot to take in, but the Penn Museum also provided a lot of information about how the objects were collected providing me with the history about the history of finding the objects. This fascinated me, and added to the tricky task of choosing ONE thing. 

And then I found out that the Penn Museum has over a million objects and only 5% are on display.

So long story short, for my favorite object, I chose an interactive in the Artifact Lab. I partially feel like I'm taking an easy way out, since there are so many amazing objects filling this museum. But it was interesting and I liked how it was presented. 

See What a Conservator Sees Interactive

September 2012

The See What a Conservator Sees interactive is an activity involving high powered microscopes connected to computer screens to easily display the magnification. With it are slides of materials that conservators look at. There is two of each type of material, a newer version and an older version, to allow for comparisons between the two. This display was engaging and interesting to see how some materials change over time and how conservators look for these changes to understand how old and figure out the story of some objects.

Materials provided included: Copper, Linen, and Papyrus

This object is found "In The Artifact Lab" room that was opened on September 30, 2012. It is very new, and does not have a lot of wear. Its location in the Artifact Lab is right up against the lab windows, allowing visitors to almost feel as though they are in the lab as well, working on analyzing the materials. Since it is right next to the lab glass, there are real mummies nearby along with other instruments and tools for conservation that the conservationists are using, though they are on the other side of the glass. 

The interactive is very modern and simple and fits in with the lab setting. The technology is easy to use and not overly complicated and shows the magnification very well. I now presume an Exhibit Developer created this concept since it is very easy for the public to understand and use and it explains what the conservationist are doing with the microscopes in their lab, and what they are looking for. The slides were very durable and the directions were easy to follow.

Other fields of study to enrich my understanding would be conservation, and further knowledge on these materials and textiles in relationship to anthropology. In addition, knowing more about how these materials break down, and how they date the objects (carbon dating or other methods) would also be something to explore. 

Those not interested in this interactive could be those more interested in the mummy next to it. As I was exploring the interactive, everyone else in the lab was right up against the glass looking at the mummies and talking with the conservationist. Also those who are not interested in the small details and how conservation is done, but rather would like to know the history and story about the objects and materials, not the scientific process that is involved with figuring out the history. 

Only text provided with this activity

Opposing views would find the object to be too simplistic and doesn't provide enough text about how materials and how they relate to the conservation process. I agree, and wish there was more information about each of the materials or about the microscopes. I do not know what magnification the microscope was and wish I knew, and what type of microscope it was why they chose that type and if it provides advantages over other types of microscopes.

Programming for this interactive would be to already have magnifications of the materials and do a matching activity with the old material vs. the new material to see if visitors can determine which is which before using the microscope. Also providing anomalies and examples of things that provide a lot of information in the materials such as discoloration of a certain type of metal means that "xyz" took place at one time. 

Favorite Object: American Philosophical Society

Case I. Arioso: Lenticular Cloud

Photographed in Brazil

1968 Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward Condon

The Arioso Case is filled with pictures of clouds and cloud classifications. In my personal top 5 list of things that make me happy, fluffy white cumulus clouds on bright blue skies is number 2. Clouds in general are another one of my favorite things, and are one of my favorite topics in meteorology, and one of my favorite things to teach in Earth Science. I love cloud classification, and I am usually that person who will name drop the scientific name of the cloud formation outside. I also love cloud watching and finding shaped and pictures in the clouds. So naturally, this was my favorite case in the Tempus Fugit exhibit. The Lenticular Cloud photograph especially, since I knew what it was and with the lack of text and information that I (along with most others) wished for, it was something I could identify. Lenticular clouds are "lens" shaped (disc shaped) clouds and form in high altitudes. The images I have most often seen them with are with tall mountains. These clouds are often mistaken for flying saucers since they are so unusual looking. 

 

Examples of more Lenticular Clouds 

This picture was used in Edward Condon's Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects report in 1968. The Air Force commissioned this study to provide a scientific approach to UFO's and extraterrestrial activity. Condon explained most UFO sightings, including Lenticular clouds scientifically, and found no evidence linking know UFO's and aliens. There have been no large-scale studies on UFO's since this report. This photo is from the American Philosophical Society's (APS) collection.

Case I: Arioso 

This object is on display in the Arioso Case with other photographs of clouds. The artist statement explains that the exhibit is about how humans organize and measure time. Lisa Weidman, the Associate Curator of Museum Education at APS, explained that this case may suggest as to why and how we name something like clouds, and is there a right way to do so.  As a scientist, I believe absolutely. Classification is important. From an artistic perspective however, I can understand, how something such as clouds that are always changing, how can you classify them. The theme of the entire exhibition is time and clouds do have a large role in the space, including the large video on display in the center of the room, showing a cloud changing in space over time. Since clouds are not permanent, why classify them? Back to being a scientist, I like how NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has classified them based on height and appearance. Cloud classification is necessary for predicting future weather and atmosphere patterns.

Cloud images with their classifications

Photo of cloud used in video display

The display case, like all other cases in the exhibition, did not have any text or information about the pieces. Like the other cases in the exhibit, there was a book element in the case. Two more photos of lenticular clouds were on a book display. I do not know if the book is from the museum's collection. There were also pictures of clouds and their classifications, and a framed photo of the cloud used in the video reflected upon itself. All the media in this case were photos of clouds, providing a clear focus on the subject for this case rather than some of the other cases that were more difficult to connect. I think clouds are an interesting subject matter for expressing time and liked the artist’s use of it in the video and the tiny picture on the wall across from the video. I really enjoyed watching the video, and how while time passed, the cloud changed, though it was not obvious to the viewer that it was changing. 

Fields of study to further my understanding for this case and collection would be in meteorology to continue my knowledge of cloud classification. Another field to study could be Latin  since the name of the exhibit is Latin for "time flies". Arioso is Italian for "airy", though I could not find a direct Latin translation for the word. In addition, studying modern art and ways to interpret it would also benefit me since I did not understand some of the other cases. I did however really enjoy the objects used and the theme of Earth Science (geology, astronomy, meteorology). I just wish there was more text and content to tell me what the objects were. 

Those not interested in this object could be those with little interest in connecting natural events to an artistic approach and would rather have a scientific explanation of why and how lenticular clouds form. Also those who would rather know more about the UFO research done by Edward Condon. Opposing views would find this object to be representing an unusual phenomenon that nature has created and the curious idea of UFO's and extraterrestrial activity and what they mean to mankind. 

Other experiences would be to go outside on a nice day and watch the clouds. Watching how they develop over a span of time and how they change and move. Also trying to find a new way to classify clouds based on a new interpretation of clouds. Another idea could be drawing clouds and comparing with others what each person cloud interpretation looks like and how it differs from others could also explore the artist’s ideas of how time and clouds change. Also learning more about unusual cloud patterns and formations. I was reminded of this recent article about a new cloud classification, while viewing this display case. 

New Cloud Classification: Undulatus asperatus (agitated wave)

Favorite Object: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Land Snail Shells

The Academy's Malacology Collection

West Africa, East Africa, Cuba, Paupa New Guinea

The Marveling at Mollusks exhibit above the main entrance showcases shells and specimens of other mollusks from the Academy's Malacology Department. My favorite was the land snails. The collection includes Cuban Tree Snails, Emerald Tree Snails, and Giant African Snails. The shells are beautiful and unique. They are an example of how nature creates beautiful objects that are functional. Snails are one of my favorite creatures which are another reason why I like this object. I find them fascinating and my friends associate them with me because I like them so much. 

Additional Land Snail Shells seen at Shell Show Festival on October 20, 2012

The shells were collected by the Academy's scientists, in this case an expert in Malacology, the study of mollusks. It's on display in glass cases with black sand and black backgrounds. The stark background and sand contrast greatly against the specimens and allow them to stand out and pop. Each case has a label in front of it that is easy to read and provides and interesting information about the specimens. The bright green Emerald Tree Snail shells are vivid and stand out in the case, but in the jungles where they are found, they are actually camouflaged. Other specimens in this space include shells from clams, scallops, conches, nautiluses, and other mollusks. The array of different mollusk shells allows for comparisons between the species and notice trends and similarities. For example, the spiral patterns in snail shells are similar to the chambered nautiluses, and allowed me to think about the nature of mathematics and the Fibonacci spiral.

Shells in display case with text panel

Fields of study to enrich my understanding would be to study Malacology and learn more about mollusks and snails. Going to exotic locales such as Cuba, Philippines, and Taiwan to look at some of the snails in their natural habitat wouldn't hurt either. 

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those who find snails creepy or gross or those who are not interested in mollusks in general. Opposing views would find the shells repetitive and too similar to distinguish differences between the specimens. Others could also oppose to the information provided on the text panel and could want either more scientific details, or more fun facts. 

Other experiences that would engage the viewer would be the Shell Show Festival the museum held three weeks ago. The festival had crafts, activities, and live animals, along with the actual shell show that showcased scientific data and shell collections from experts to amateurs. The festival also featured Sailor's Valentines, which were stunning art pieces made entirely of shells. Programming I could develop would be about these Sailor's Valentines and how they are made and designed and other explorations into crafting with shells. Here are some of the examples of crafts and Valentine's I saw at the show. 

Piece made entirely of shells, including vase

Sailor's Valentine made entirely of shells and sea urchin needles

Large flowers made entirely of shells

Favorite Object: Please Touch Museum

(photo from www.myphillyalive.com)

Space Station exhibit in Flight Fantasy 

This week's visit to the Please Touch Museum was a lot of fun and I am still impressed by the larger than life set and exhibit design that was put in to this beautiful building. I remember going to the Please Touch Museum as a child with my younger brother, and thinking it was fun but enjoying the Franklin Institute more because it felt bigger and more exciting to me and at the time the Franklin was more age appropriate for me. I feel like if I had experienced this Please Touch Museum as a child, the colorful murals and large trees and cloud installations and the ability to feel as though you are always stepping into a new place every time you change areas would have captivated me. It is a really exciting environment to be in. As an adult, learning about the history and architecture of Memorial Hall is also fascinating to me. I recently did a research paper on the Please Touch Museum's collections and how it meets its audiences. I find the museum does a great job of creating their exhibits to be for children 7 and under, their target audience they defined, and also providing tours and the Centennial Exhibit for the accompanying adults who want to know more about the history. During my visit in the summer, myself and the adults I was with wanted to know more about the building and the little things around the museum, such as plaques on the wall in the main lobby telling you that it’s painted in period colors, and the more text rich Centennial Exhibit answered our need to know more about the building. 

Variables available for rocket launching

That aside, my favorite area in the museum is the Flight Fantasy play area. I think it’s the scientist in me because the area's interactives are based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities. The futuristic blue and neon colors are so bright and transport you to space. A lot of the exhibits provide a lot of different variables to try and manipulate to learn from. My favorite “object” or interactive is the rocket building activity in the Space Station room. The exhibit is based on building a rocket and launching it using air cannon. Children can choose different shapes and sizes to experiment with to see what flies the best. Again, I appreciate the use of variables to encourage inquiry based learning. The interactive is futuristic looking and is designed to look like a space launch pad and the center piece looks like a giant rocket. 

Solar System stained glass- want!!

The Space Station room is large and open feeling with large windows with solar system themed stained glass on the windows and a giant solar system displayed from the ceiling. Where can I get these things for my future house one day? I love the feeling of the space and the room and it evokes imagination and wonder about space. As a child I was a part of a local astronomy club and I did a lot of stargazing with our telescope. Astronomy was one of my first interests in science and what lead me to a teaching certificate in Earth and Space Science. The importance of getting children of all ages interested in science is something I understand and appreciate, hence why I like this area and exhibit so much.

The Flight Fantasy Area is the newest play area at the Please Touch Museum and was opened in October 2010.

Other exhibits in the Space Station area include a blue screen for visitors to dress up and see themselves in space, and a cloud hopping interactive. This news clip provides a great demonstration of the rocket launching interactive and blue screen.  

The rocket building interactive can lead to children wanting to explore fields in engineering and astronomy to enrich their exploration. The entire space can help create an interest in science and technology in both young and old audiences. For me personally to understand the object better, either a greater background in rocket engineering and projectile motion or a greater knowledge of early childhood fine motor skills development and how they interpret STEM concepts and what the lasting impression of this interactive has on them.

Those who would not be interested in this object could be those with little interest in space and children with a brief attention span who don't first get the idea of trying lots of variations of rockets, unless a parent encourages it, or parents who also don't try the variables and believe it’s a once and done activity. Opposing views would believe that it is meant to be just a try it once and move on and miss the concept of exploration with all the different sized rockets and shapes. 

Other experiences that would engage the visitor could be stomp rockets or catapults to learn about projectile motion. Stomp rockets are a great activity to be made at home and can be done with children of all ages including high school students and kindergartners. 

Favorite Object: American Swedish Historical Museum

Picture from http://www.americanswedish.org

Chicago Room Mural

1937

Wood

Ewald Dahlskog

The Chicago Room at the American Swedish Historical Museum (ASHM) features Swedish builders and Architects who have made contributions to American History. The focal point of the room is the large wood inlay mural that takes up the entire wall. The mural is made of 103 different types of wood. It depicts builders and carpenters at work creating notable works from Swedish contributors to America. From left to right it shows a log structure along the Delaware River Valley, The Chicago Skyline, and Holy Trinity Church. I have not seen wood used in this way before and found the mural to be very eye-catching and impressive. It was a really stunning way to show the Art Deco style of the 1930's, and the industrial movement in Chicago. During my first visit to the museum, it was my favorite piece I saw and told other people about that day. While I have been doing my assistantship at the ASHM I have become familiar with many other objects and have not had a chance to spend time upstairs and become familiar with this object.
The piece took over five years to complete and was dedicated to the museum on June 25, 1937.
The piece is the main focal point of the Chicago room. The rest of the room is devoted to work of Swedish Architects and builders and the museums hand-made Swedish Silver. The smaller display cases in the room allows the mural to really stand out in the room. The smaller pieces provide more insight on Swedish Architecture and contribute to the mural.
Not having a background in history, Swedish culture, or architecture, I have very little understanding and background information about this object. More knowledge on Swedish contributions to American design would enhance my knowledge of this piece and more knowledge about building and architecture would also provide a better background.
People who would not be interested in this object would be those with little interest in Art Deco style pieces, and woodwork. Opposing views would find that this piece does not symbolize enough what Swedish builders and architects have contributed to society. Experiences to engage viewers with this piece would be displays showing how the piece was made and what types of wood were used to make it since I am fascinated with how this medium was used and how the mural was made.