Interpretation 101 Amos Almy Montana Napier

History of Interpretation

What is Interpretation?  Interpretation is a social art that focuses on mutual teaching and learning. It is a lot more than just talking.  The art of developing a connection between people and natural resources.  It is the “bridge” between the creatures in the tide pools and forests, and the visitor.  Answers the question: “why should I care?”

What is an Interpreter?  What is an interpreter translating?  “I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can." – John Muir

Who is an interpreter? Museum Docent Park Ranger Zoo Keeper Bill Nye the Science Guy Aquarium Worker

Parts of Interpretation  Tangibles  Intangibles  Universal Concepts  Intellectual Connections  Emotional Connections  Appropriate Techniques

Making Connections TangiblesIntangibles  Interpretation involves connecting these tangible resources to the concepts and ideas they represent, or their intangible meanings.  Intangible meanings are abstract and include ideas, feelings, relationships, values, and beliefs.  Interpreters use the word tangibles when talking about the physical elements of a site.  A tangible has qualities that you can see, touch, taste, hear, or smell.

Civilian Conservation Corps

Rosario Tide Pools

Universal Concepts  Some intangible meanings are universal concepts.  Concepts that everyone can relate to but no two people will see exactly the same way.

Intangibles: Solitude, refuge, deforestation, exploitation Universal Concepts: solitude, refuge, exploitation

Intangibles: Power, fear, conservation Universal Concepts: Power, fear

Intangibles: Serenity, beauty, water quality Universal Concepts: Serenity, beauty

Intangibles: Growth, economics, money, hard work Universal Concepts: Growth, money, hard work

What Kind of Connections? Intellectual  Opportunities seem to provoke:  Awareness  Comprehension  Discovery  Revelation  These are “ohhhh” moments. “Changes of the tides are connected to the phases of the moon.” Emotional  Opportunities seem to provoke:  Aggravation  Bewilderment  Happiness  Sadness  Worry  Many other emotions! “The creatures in these tide pools live a tougher and more threatening life because of humans.”

Appropriate Techniques  Interpretive techniques are used to create links between tangibles and intangibles.  Simply saying “This tide pool should matter to you” is not going to do the trick.  Using techniques creates opportunities for connections to the resource.

Examples of Techniques  Activity  Analogy  Comparison  Demonstration  Discussion  Examples  Explanations  Illustrations  Metaphor  Photography  Prop  Question  Sensory Experience  Story telling

A tangible has qualities that you can see, touch, taste, hear, and/or smell. True False

Interpreters make visitors connect to the meanings and significance of a site. True False

Intangibles are the ideas and concepts your resources can represent. True False

Meaningful interpretation contains only specific facts the visitor will remember. True False

Informal Interpretation Activity  Think about a recent vacation or visit to a park, museum, or aquarium.  Do you remember a specific encounter you had with an employee?  Good or bad?  What do you look for in customer service?

Informal Interpretation  Informal vs. Formal  Informal interpretation progresses based on the needs and responses of the visitor.  The interaction is highly personalized.  The interpreter must be able to evaluate, respond and adjust to the visitor’s needs during these spontaneously initiated interactions.

Orientation, Information, Interpretation  Orientation level- the main goal of the contact is to help visitors get their bearings and provide directions.  Information level- the contact involves facts or explanations.  Interpretive level- moves beyond information and involves appropriate techniques for developing links between tangible resources and intangible concepts.

Activity

Video Activity Keep an eye out for examples of interpretation and missed opportunities for interpretation. Exploring at Low Tide

What if You Don’t Know the Answer?  Don’t panic!  Know where you can find the answer.  Say “I don’t know”.

So What?  Why are we even trying to do interpretation at the tide pools?  Remember the goal of Beach Naturalists:  Promote understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of this sensitive and unique ecosystem through education.