BIO102, Honey Bee Colonies

BIO102 is a year-long exploration of civic scientific literacy. This exhibit on honey bee colonies is an example of how design can be used to increase engagement in any scientific subject. New discoveries are made every day, and conversations are had about how to deal with technological advances and environmental changes. These conversations are had between scientists, politicians, and most importantly the democratic public. Scientific literacy gives citizens the ability to effectively participate in discussion and to make informed decisions about new developments. Through my research I have found that accessible communication is already a work in progress among scientists. Researchers make efforts to verbally communicate their findings in a clear and accurate way; however, visual design can be used as another tool to draw attention to their work. This project uses educational techniques like visual aids, collaboration, and guided discovery as examples of ways to promote learning. The honey bee colony exhibit will be placed in SUNY New Paltz's biology department hallways, which students and faculty with different fields of expertise use daily. Ideally, these exhibits will accompany pamphlets with updated information written by current researchers.