Sex: A Tell-All Exhibition - Canada Science and Technology Museum

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

SEX: A TELL-all EXHIBITION opens at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa on May 17

 

A unique, award-winning, educational exhibition created by the Montréal Science Centre, SEX: A TELL-all EXHIBITION presents information on sexuality in a scientific, engaging and interactive manner. Opening at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on May 17, this exhibition is a rare opportunity for adolescents 12 and older to get reliable answers to their questions about sexuality. The exhibition is also of interest to parents, high school teachers and health professionals who work with adolescents.

Due to the sensitive nature of the exhibition, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. (Access to this exhibition will be controlled at all times by museum staff.)

 

The Montréal Science Centre, the creator of the exhibition, developed a Teacher's Guide, which includes in-class activities for before and after a field trip. Teachers are invited to involve students in a quiz-game either during their visit or back in the classroom. This quiz is designed to help them integrate the exhibition's content effectively and provide a more structured experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What is Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition?

 

It is an award-winning educational exhibition that answers the main questions young people have about sexuality. It imparts what science has to say on the topic, conveys a positive image of sexuality and, ultimately, helps young people hone their judgment skills so they can make responsible and informed decisions.

 

2. Who is the exhibition for?

 

Adolescents 12 years and older, parents seeking a better understanding of the subject in preparation for their children's questions, teachers of high school and their students, health care professionals, and anyone else who wishes to learn more. Children younger than 12 may visit the exhibition as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

 

3. Why did the Canada Science and Technology Museum decide to show Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition?

 

The human body and sexuality are subjects of broad appeal and fundamental concern, especially for young people, an important audience for the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

 

4. How is the scientific content of Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition presented?

 

A number of scientific fields are covered, such as biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, public health, and sexology, to name a few. The exhibition explains the physiological and psychological manifestations of sexuality from a scientific standpoint, answering young people's most common concerns in frank but tactful language.

 

5. Who participated in the exhibition's development?

 

The Montréal Science Centre, the creators of this exhibition, formed a scientific committee made up of doctors, public health experts, science education specialists, and sexologists, who were responsible for validating the exhibition's content and presentation. A focus group of young people also took part in the development, commenting on different versions of the exhibition content. Finally, the Montréal Science Centre also consulted with parents in order to assess their expectations, needs, and concerns.

 

6. Won't Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition encourage young people to have sex?

 

No. The exhibition informs visitors and helps them understand the issues surrounding sexuality so they can make enlightened and responsible decisions. The exhibition is designed to present information in a scientific, frank and accessible manner, an approach that the Canada Science and Technology Museum supports.

 

7. Sexuality is already so pervasive in the lives of today's youth. Why must the Canada Science and Technology Museum talk about it too?

 

It is precisely because it is talked about so frequently that it should also be discussed in a place like the Canada Science and Technology Museum, because: the information young people get is not always accurate, the prevalence of sexuality puts a lot of pressure on young people, reliable and comprehensive sources of information are rare or little-known.

 

8. Does the exhibition deal with: contraception? masturbation? homosexuality? STIs?

 

The exhibition deals with all of these subjects within the larger context.

 

9. How does the exhibition fit in with my child's school curriculum?

 

The concepts related to sexuality dealt with in the exhibition can be covered in some school curriculums. Links can be found in a number of curricula including Health and Physical Education (grades 7 to 12), Science (grades 10 to 12) as well as in the Social Science and Humanities (grade 11 and 12). This exhibition can facilitate the work of teachers who can cover the topic of sexuality as part of a school field trip.

 

10. My child will be visiting the exhibition on a school field trip. Will they automatically visit this exhibition?

 

School group visits are planned by the teacher. The teacher can choose to visit, or not, any exhibition at the museum. This exhibition's entrance was designed to offer a welcome entrance that must be clearly chosen. No casual or accidental entries are anticipated. As such, if this exhibition is a part of the teacher's plan, it can be enjoyed fully by the group. If not, the group can enjoy some of the many other exhibitions at the museum.

 

11. My child's teacher has planned a trip to the museum. This visit includes a visit to the Sex: A Tell all Exhibition. Will teachers and students be well prepared?

 

The Montréal Science Centre, the creator of the exhibition, developed a Teacher's Guide which includes in-class activities for before and after the field trip. Teachers are welcome to enjoy these resources in planning their visit. Teachers are also invited to involve students in a quiz-game either during their visit or back in the classroom. This quiz is designed to help them integrate the exhibition's content effectively and provide a more structured experience.

 

12. Would you recommend this exhibition for families? Will it interest my children, aged 13 and 10?

 

The exhibition is recommended for children aged 12 and up. However, the Canada Science and Technology Museum offers a wide range of other exhibitions and activities that younger children will enjoy. In this way, parents can accompany a younger child, while their adolescent explores this exhibition.

 

13. Can my teenager visit the exhibition without me?

 

Teenagers may explore the exhibition individually or with friends, like all the other activities offered by the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

 

14. Will I find Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition interesting even without my teenager?

 

Yes. The exhibition is completely appropriate for parents who wish to learn more about their children's concerns regarding sexuality, and it will put them in a better position to answer any questions their children might ask. In addition, because the exhibition presents sexuality in a very accessible manner, it may even answer questions they themselves have.

 

15. What if I don't have teenage children. Will I find the exhibition interesting?

 

Yes. The exhibition is very accessible and comprehensive and has interesting facts and information for adult visitors with or without teenage children.

 

http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/whatson/2012-sex-a-tell-all-exhibition.cfm

[Maverick 2873]

Oh cool, I'll be sure to check that out.

[VexingVixen 2519]

I went to see this Monday. It is beautifully done, easy to understand, and factual. Some embarassed giggles were had, but we all learned something! If you're in Ottawa - Go!