ABSTRACT
Offering a historical synopsis of how science museums have developed, this chapter examines paradigm shifts in these public institutions. Extending ideas of successive generations of science museums, the authors describe the evolution of a fourth generation, while also exploring four typologies (experiential, pedagogical, critical, and agential) of science museum exhibitions. The authors note that science museums are increasingly questioning (and being questioned about) their social relevance and purpose, the kinds of exhibitions that are being created, and the visitor experience. Using examples from the field, institutional practices that embrace more progressive views of scientific literacy, criticality, and agency are highlighted.
