<p>Zoos are the ideal place for promoting science and environmental education, since they have the possibility of fostering biodiversity awareness and environmental values, which are necessary for global citizens. How should we develop an exhibit that meets the demand of visitors’ interest and arouses their biodiversity awareness reflecting the principles of museum exhibition? This study examined how the aspects of cognitive learning and emotional stimulus were reflected in the audience from the case of the new type of a communicative exhibit that the author developed with her students. As a result, from the aspect of cognitive learning, the exhibition contents showed a strong educational effect. In terms of emotional stimulation, the theme was impressed on the audience as a sad story while gaining favorable evaluation. In addition, it was found that the story of the birth of the zoo’s elephant birth was the result of empathy. This study showed an implication that suggested how to raise biodiversity awareness in public citizens through a zoo exhibition.</p>
Journal of Science Education in Japan 42 (2), 73-81, 2018
Japan Society for Science Education