Raspberry Pi as a tool for museum and science center exhibits

Fostering Engagement

In the Association of Science and Technology Centers publication Fostering Active Prolonged Engagement: The Art of Creating APE Exhibits [3], the authors defined and explained active prolonged engagement as the ability of visitors "to spend more time with the exhibits, getting more in the phenomena than they might at other exhibits" and allowing them to "feel as if they were in the driver's seat." That concept has shaped and reinforced the science theater's exhibit strategy in a way that allows patrons to try a variety of actions that build on previous experiences, help them make connections, and instill a love for science and learning.

As an added benefit, the facility hopes to capitalize on people's natural curiosity and perhaps entice them to continuing their education at Central Texas College by explaining how the technology behind the exhibit works and informing them that they can learn the technology at the college. In such a way, you can teach science, encourage people to learn, and recruit them all with one exhibit. You can further your goals and benefit the organization by doing more with less. Although doing more with less is usually close to impossible, this application actually makes it possible.

Informal science is a volatile business. Benefactors are being pulled away to other equally worthy organizations and causes. Hosting entities are seeing their budgets cut by state and federal governments, and consumers can be reluctant to let go of their hard-earned money unless they are convinced that they are getting the maximum value for it. I am not suggesting that these Linux-driven devices will rescue the industry. However, they can help provide a better customer experience using less staff at a lower cost, which goes a long way in helping convince the powers-that-be that your facility is worth the money they have invested, that you make the most of every dollar sent your way, and that each patron leaves with a memorable educational experience that entices them to return.

A open source coding language combined with the inexpensive price makes devices like the Raspberry Pi the right tools for these challenging economic times. Although the thought of learning to use Linux, choosing software and hardware, and building a system may seem daunting, the process in this case was relatively simple and inexpensive and could be executed by anyone with the time and desire to make it work. And, putting the required effort into the process is probably a better use of your time than explaining to your administration why you continue not to be relevant to the organization or in your community.

To remain viable and sustainable, museums, science centers, and similar facilities must figure out how to have maximum impact on visitors without spending vast amounts of money. Unfortunately, even in the halls of academia, money is the driving force. To continue to serve their communities, organizations must seize on every opportunity to be effective, lean, and flexible. In this case, using Linux-driven Raspberry Pis to power exhibits has given the science theater the ability to do just that. I am excited about the potential of this application and think that we have just scratched the surface. Who wants a piece of Linux Raspberry Pi?