THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH MUSEUMS AROUND THE WORLD

Аннотация

This article explores the significance of museums, particularly science museums, in the context of modern informal education. It demonstrates that science museums serve as effective tools for visualizing the history of science through exhibits, promoting interactive learning methods, and enhancing scientific literacy. Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of expanding the role of museums as centers for scientific and pedagogical research and emphasizes the transformation of visitors into active participants through interactive exhibitions,science fairs, laboratory equipment, and technological experimentation zones. Keywords: museum, global experience, science and experimental museums, educational and pedagogical activity, science, industrial and technological development, tangible and intangible heritage, conceptual model, International Council of Museums (ICOM), integrated science education programs, interactivezone, exhibition. Introduction. Museums are significant social institutions that serve educational and cultural-enlightenment purposes by collecting, preserving, and displaying material and intangible heritage related to humans and their environment. They offer an alternative educational environment that enriches formal learning and provides an open and continuous learning space for individuals of all ages. Museum education, organized on scientific and pedagogical foundations, enhances thecultural and educational roles of museums. The theoretical basis of this field includes approaches such as constructivism, the theory of multiple intelligences, and the holistic model of communication. A common feature of these approaches is theemphasis on theindividual needs and abilities of the learner orvisitor, placing them at the center of the learning process. This makes museums an integral and dynamic component ofthemodern education system. [1, p.50–53] It should be noted that in today’s world, museums play a crucial role as informal learning spaces. This learning process is often voluntary and shaped by visitors’ personal interests. Learning in museums occurs within personal, physical, and sociocultural contexts. [2] While the personal context determines the level of motivation, the physical context—through exhibits, displays, and the environment—facilitates knowledge acquisition. The sociocultural context, which reflects the social connections between the visitors and the institution, is a critical yet underexplored factor. [3] Unfortunately, traditional didactic approaches often fall short in such settings. [4] Therefore, modern and interactive pedagogical methods are increasingly necessary to enhance studentengagement inmuseums. In particular, boosting young people’s interest and participation in science has become a pressing issue. [5, p. 1364–1384] Factors such as the content of science, self-confidence, page1624 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue06,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai perceived value, and the weak connection between science and real life serve as significant barriers. Informal learning environments, especially museums, are recognized as effective tools to increase students’ interest in science, enhance motivation, and strengthen the link between science and personal experience. Furthermore, considering the unequal distribution of science capital, museums can play an essential role in promoting equity and expanding access to science. Materials and Methods. In modern science education, scientific literacy encompasses not only understanding key scientific concepts but also recognizing scientific inquiry and research as integral to human activity. [5, p.19] One effective way to achieve this broader understanding is through teaching the history of science. Researchers have emphasized that engaging with the history of science plays a vital role in developing scientific thinking in students. Science museums hold a unique position in this process as they vividly convey concepts related to the development of science and philosophy through historical collections. These institutions also create environments that encourage active interaction with exhibits, thereby increasing students'intrinsicmotivationand interest. Science museums present scientific and technological developments to the public, contributing to the improvement of knowledge and practical skills. They showcase achievements in science, industry, and technology while illuminating the historical stages of development in these fields. Thus, science museums are becoming an essential part of the educational process. These museums are accessible to children, adolescents, and families, serving as engaging gateways to the world of science and technology. Science museums stimulate curiosity about science, amaze visitors, and provide opportunities for independent experimentation,making thelearning process