Museus e a comunicação pública de ciência

Abstract

In order to situate some problems of science dissemination in museums, this article takes up historical aspects of the public dimension of science and museums. The linking of museums with the educational process and with science teaching models is approached as part of the search to expand the reach and interaction with the population. The divergence between the discursive strategies of scientific language and the demands of public communication of science is presented as a dilemma, which finds one of its expressions in scientism. As challenges of scientific communication in museums, the following questions are raised: How to approach science while avoiding stereotypes and myths that, in general, are reinforced in scientific communication? How to deal with processes and not just the results of scientific investigations? How to do this in an attractive, engaging and critical way? Two exhibition experiences developed at UFMG - “Sentidos do Nascer” and “Pro-cessaber” - are finally presented as examples of some solutions created to meet the challenges raised.