The Science of Interpretation

Interpretation is a communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource. National Association of Interpretation (2000)

“Environmental Interpretation” by Sam Ham (1992), first identified these key components in interpretive communication. P urpose O rganized E njoyable T hematic R elevant Y ou

Visual Learner Kinesthetic Learner Auditory Learner Verbal Learner

Ecophobia Fear of ecological problems and the natural world. Global Warming Lyme Disease Acid Rain Rainforest Destruction So, mind your steps as you proceed…..

Empathy Ages 4-7 Cultivate connection Animal relationships Home is their world Exploration Ages 8-11 Asking “How” Science investigations Expanding boundaries Social Action Ages 12+ Asking “How can I” Place-based efforts Social boundaries

AST 2 HMA in Agenda Building A udience S etting T heme T ime H ead count M aterials A ctivity format Elementary Ed. Grade 2-5, Scout Leaders General PublicIndoor/OutdoorMigration Madness! (Harm or Help?) 3-5 M inute Booth 3- Hour WorkshopGroups of 5/25Light if off-siteDiversify and appeal to all learning styles!Hands-on, Reading, Lecture, physical,independent & Group

Converse Prior to activity introduction, begin conversation using vocabulary and information from the activity Connect with something within the audience’s frame of reference Bridge the unfamiliar to the familiar with metaphors, comparisons Play Transition directly from conversation into the active component of the activity (without referencing the transition) Invite the audience to become part of the demonstration C onverse P lay R eference After relating the conversation and active component, identify the activity as a resource from the activity guide, grade level applicability, activity logistics.

The Accurate Delivery of your Message Story- Telling Telling Stories

Instilling Interpretive Intuition…

“Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”. -Anonymous “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. - Anonymous Words are powerful too…

“Do not try to teach a great many things. Awaken people’s curiosity. It is enough to open minds; do not overload them. Put there just a spark. If there is some good inflammable stuff, it will catch fire”. Anatole France, as quoted in The Earth Speaks