Building Capacity: The National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation

Abstract:

In the US, more than 1,500 informal science venues (science centers, museums, aquariums, zoos, nature centers, national parks) are visited annually by 61% of the population. Research shows that these visitors are receptive to learning about climate change, and expect these institutions to provide reliable information about environmental issues and solutions. These informal science venues play a critical role in shaping public understanding. Since 2007, the New England Aquarium has led a national effort to increase the capacity of informal science venues to effectively communicate about climate change. We are now leading the NSF-funded National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI), partnering with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, FrameWorks Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and National Aquarium, with evaluation conducted by the New Knowledge Organization, Pennsylvania State University, and Ohio State University. After two years of project implementation, key findings include:

 1. Importance of adaptive management – We continue to make ongoing changes in training format, content, and roles of facilitators and participants.

 2. Impacts on interpreters – We have multiple lines of evidence for changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

 3. Social radiation – Trained interpreters have a significant influence on their friends, family and colleagues.

 4. Visitor impacts – “Exposure to “strategically framed” interpretation does change visitors’ perceptions about climate change.

 5. Community of practice – We are seeing evidence of growing participation, leadership, and sustainability.

 6. Diffusion of innovation – Peer networks are facilitating dissemination throughout the informal science education community.

Over the next five years, NNOCCI will achieve a systemic national impact across the ISE community, embed its work within multiple ongoing regional and national climate change education networks, and leave an enduring legacy of impact. We believe that the NNOCCI project can serve as a model for how ISEIs can address other complex environmental, scientific, and policy topics as well.