Almy Interpretive Specialist Rockport and Rasar State Park 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 ID: 932962
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Slide1
Interpretation 101
Amos
Almy
Interpretive Specialist
Rockport and Rasar State Park
Slide2History of Interpretation
Slide3What 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?”
Slide4What 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
Slide5Who is an interpreter?
Museum Docent
Park Ranger
Zoo Keeper
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Aquarium Worker
Slide6Parts of Interpretation
Tangibles
Intangibles
Universal Concepts
Intellectual Connections
Emotional ConnectionsAppropriate Techniques
Slide7Making Connections
Tangibles
Intangibles
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.
Slide8Civilian Conservation Corps
Tangibles-
qualities that you can see, touch, taste, hear, or smell.
Intangible- abstract
and include ideas, feelings, relationships, values, and beliefs.
Slide9Rosario Tide Pools
Tangibles-
qualities that you can see, touch, taste, hear, or smell.
Intangible- abstract
and include ideas, feelings, relationships, values, and beliefs.
Slide10Universal Concepts
Some intangible meanings are
universal
concepts.
Concepts that everyone can relate to but
no two people will see exactly the same way.
Slide11Intangibles: Solitude, refuge, deforestation
, exploitation
Universal Concepts: solitude, refuge, exploitation
Slide12Intangibles: Power, fear, conservation
Universal Concepts: Power, fear
Slide13Intangibles: Serenity, beauty, water quality
Universal Concepts: Serenity, beauty
Slide14Intangibles: Growth, economics, money, hard work
Universal Concepts: Growth, money, hard work
Slide15What Kind of Connections?
Intellectual
O
pportunities seem to provoke:
Awareness
ComprehensionDiscoveryRevelationThese 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
Any other emotion “The creatures in these tide pools live a tougher and more threatening life because of humans.”
Slide16Appropriate 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.
Slide17Examples of Techniques
Activity
Analogy
Comparison
Demonstration
Discussion
Examples
Explanations
Illustrations
Metaphor
Photography
Prop
Question
Sensory Experience
Slide18A
tangible has qualities that you can see, touch, taste, hear, and/or smell
.
True
False
Slide19Interpreters make visitors connect to the meanings and significance of a site
.
True
False
Slide20Intangibles are the ideas and concepts your resources can represent
.
True
False
Slide21Meaningful interpretation contains only specific facts the visitor will remember
.
True
False
Slide22Informal 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?
Slide23Informal 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.
Slide24Orientation, 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.
Slide25Activity
Slide26Video Activity
Keep an eye out for examples of interpretation and missed opportunities for interpretation.
Exploring at Low Tide
Slide27What if You Don’t
K
now the Answer?
Don
’
t panic!Know where you can find the answer.Say “I don’t know”.
Slide28So 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.