Hans Sloane

Born in 1660, in County Down,

Irelandwas a collectorof curiosities.

By his death in 1753 he had collected over 71,000 discrete objects.

This “cabinet of curiosities” became the foundation for the

British Museum of Natural History.

These museums of the past did, and still

do, serve an important function.We are fortunate to have them, and the

researchers who study there.

The discrete objects in their

collections help us understand our world

and inspire new scientists.

But they are still centered around

discrete objects.

THE PAST:

• Discrete objects

• Compartmentalized

• Top down linear flow of information

• Research separate from education

• Cabinet of curiosities

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION ANALYSIS

INTERACTIONS TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION

Rooted in the past… Shaping the future.

discover…..

Discover Life

The museum of the future

• Digital• Integrates data, resources• Builds and sustains partnerships among academia, other museums,

government organizations, NGOs, education, the community• Integrates research and education• Addresses multiple learning styles• Inspires curiosity…. but also creativity and critical thinking• Helps answer large-scale ecological questions such as effects of

climate change, land use, and pollution