First Day at the Museum - Questions

The first thing that came to mind as I viewed the exhibit was how humans have impacted the environment and the footprint that modern man has had on ecosystems. I believe what Neil said is true, in that this does not mean that we are passing judgement on the actions of man, rather that we simply acknowledge the part that man has played in the environments of today. The part of the exhibit that comes particularly to mind is the distinct contrast between 1,000 years ago and today. In many ways, the barreness of the land versus the rich, thick vegetation of 1,000 years ago strikes me the most.

Perhaps another idea that can be connected to this exhibit is how today, man is trying to study and understand the plants, animals and the evironments today. This can be seen in the studies conducted across the hall. The tools of man to understand the past and the present to understand better our future.

I think that one of the most effective ways to present our podcast would simply paint a picture with our words. Take a point of view as if you are there with the person listening and you are putting what you see as a blank canvas and you are painting it for us. Another interesting way to present our ideas might be to take an object that has passed through the 1,000 years and has a point of view as to what it has seen. Perhaps the tool left behind by the Indians, which in turn was found by Neil could tell us the story of the Menomonee Valley.

First day at the museum, Group A2

Neil is crouching at the back of the exhibit, but he's no dummy, no matter what he says. He's full of the big picture-- past, present and future. Two themes that he highlights are CHANGE and HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

Questions for comment -- respond to any or all in whatever order you wish.

1) What parts of the exhibit come to your mind when you think of those two themes?

2) Can you think other big themes that we should include?

3) Thinking of making the script "catchy" and interesting, what "attention grabbers" come to mind? You're a kid, teenager, adult . . . what was most interesting to you about the info Neil presented?

4) What two words come to mind when you think of butterflies? Amazing spot for a break. (This question is a break, too.)

5) Instead of being talking heads, sometimes you can structure the presentation so that the person speaking takes on an identity/personality directly involved. Would that work for us? A hawk flying over? A child observing? What path can we take to connect to the listener?

6) Please add more questions if you wish.