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.

Purpose

Organized

Enjoyable

Them

atic

Relevant

You

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…..

EmpathyAges 4-7

Cultivate connection

Animal relationshipsHome is their

world

ExplorationAges 8-11

Asking “How”Science

investigationsExpanding boundaries

Social ActionAges 12+

Asking “How can I”

Place-based efforts

Social boundaries

AST2HMA in Agenda Building

Audi

ence

Sett

ing

Them

e

Tim

e

Hea

d co

unt

Mat

eria

ls

Activ

ity fo

rmat

Elementary Ed.Grade 2-5, Scout LeadersGeneral Public

Indoor/Outdoor

Migration Madness! (Harm or Help?)

3-5 Minute Booth 3- Hour Workshop

Groups of 5/25

Light if off-site

Diversify and appeal to all learning styles!Hands-on, Reading, Lecture, physical, independent & Group

ConversePrior 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

Converse

Play

Reference

Reference 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