A Study on Anthropocene Education through Analysis of Science Museum Exhibits and University Liberal Arts Education Contents

Objectives This study aims to suggest directions for Anthropocene education by analyzing science museum exhibits and university liberal arts education contents related to the Anthropocene. Methods We conducted an on-site investigation at the Seoul Science Center and selected the Anthropocene exhibits as the subject of analysis. We analyzed the “Coexistence with the Anthropocene” unit, a liberal arts education content of Korea University, and used the assignments submitted by students in this course as research materials. Results In the midst of the severe crisis of the Anthropocene, we analyzed the exhibits of science museums, which are informal educational institutions, and the liberal arts education contents of universities, which are formal educational institutions, to derive educational significance. The Seoul Science Center’s diverse exhibits and experiential activities on the Anthropocene can stimulate students’ curiosity, increase their learning participation, and promote a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The “Coexistence with the Anthropocene” unit, a liberal arts education content at university, plays an important role in helping students understand the concept and severity of the Anthropocene and foster scientific literacy for solving environmental problems. Conclusions Through the results of this study, Anthropocene education can contribute to comprehensively cultivating scientific literacy, including understanding scientific knowledge and fostering problem-solving skills. Just as we discuss scientific literacy centered on various functions and values, we must also continuously develop and apply new teaching and learning methods, curriculum content, and activity programs to enhance it in Anthropocene education.