Museum 4.0 as the Future of STEAM in Museums

Abstract

Informal STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities (programs) and exhibits are common in science centers, children's museums and natural history museums. As museums change to Museum 4.0 models (1), the STEAM exhibits and programs in museums also change. Museums 4.0 is the transformation of museums from a monolithic fixed location institution to a nimble community driven event driven organization. The Museum 4.0 becomes personalized to the visitor without fixed outcomes and without the physical restrictions of a single fixed location. As museums evolve to a Museum 4.0 model with visitor lead activities, STEAM activities within museums also change to peer to peer activities that begin outside the museum and continue as part of activities. Museum 4.0 STEAM will be a " host " connecting communities that existed before, during and after a museum's " bricks and mortar " experience. Instead of " cookbook " experiences where you follow a specific pattern, STEAM activities become experiences that grow and change depending on the user and community involvement. Museum STEAM experiences are transitioning from workbench activities to workbench and smartphone experiences where tactile, and digital involvement are integrated. The future of STEAM Museum 4.0 experiences are opened-ended community based experiences that are customized to a user's interests, knowledge and skills.