TOK Exhibition Examples

TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: The Waldseemüller Map (1507)

Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
Rationale: The Waldseemüller Map of 1507, known for being the first to depict the Americas as separate from Asia and to name America, serves as a profound example of the evolution of geographical knowledge and the pursuit of certainty in mapping the world. This map illustrates the impact of exploration and discovery on the human understanding of our planet, marking a significant shift in the European perception of the world’s geography. It embodies the inquiry into how certainty in knowledge is influenced by the acquisition of new information and technological advancements in cartography. The Waldseemüller Map prompts discussion on the provisional nature of knowledge, highlighting how certainty is sought through exploration and inquiry, yet remains subject to revision with new discoveries. It encourages students to reflect on the dynamic and evolving understanding of our world, challenging the notion of absolute certainty in knowledge.

TOK Exhibition Examples

TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: A Quantum Mechanics Textbook

Theme: Knowledge and Technology
Rationale: Quantum mechanics challenges classical notions of certainty and determinism, introducing concepts like superposition and uncertainty at a fundamental level of physical reality. A textbook on this subject represents the intellectual frontier where certainty is deeply questioned, making it a fitting object to explore the limits of what can be known and the extent to which scientific knowledge seeks to provide answers in the face of inherent uncertainty. It encourages students to reflect on the scientific pursuit of understanding in areas where certainty seems fundamentally unattainable.

TOK Exhibition Examples

TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: A World Map Centred on the Pacific Ocean

Theme: Knowledge and Indigenous Societies
Rationale: Traditionally, world maps are often Eurocentric, but this Pacific-centred map challenges conventional geographical perspectives and invites students to consider how different ways of organizing geographical knowledge can influence our understanding of the world. It raises TOK questions about the impact of cultural viewpoints on knowledge classification, especially in how we conceptualize space, territory, and cultural significance. This object encourages reflection on the diverse ways knowledge can be structured and the implications for cross-cultural understanding and knowledge inclusivity.

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TOK Exhibition Examples

TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: Object: A Social Media Newsfeed Algorithm Description

Theme: Knowledge and Technology
Rationale: The algorithm that dictates the organisation and display of posts in a social media newsfeed exemplifies how digital platforms classify and prioritise knowledge. This description can illuminate the impact of technological filters on our access to information and how we come to know the world around us. It challenges students to consider how algorithms reflect and reinforce certain perspectives, potentially shaping our understanding based on engagement metrics rather than balanced or comprehensive views. This discussion encourages students to reflect on the ways technology mediates our interaction with knowledge and the implications for individual and collective understanding in a digitally connected era.

TOK Exhibition Examples

TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: A Personal Health Tracking App Interface

Theme: Knowledge and Technology
Rationale: Health tracking apps organize and classify personal health data in ways that influence users’ perceptions of their well-being and health knowledge. This object invites a TOK discussion on how the classification of health metrics (like steps walked, calories consumed, and sleep quality) shapes our understanding of health and influences decision-making. It prompts reflection on the implications of quantifying and categorizing personal health information through technology, exploring the benefits and limitations of such knowledge organization for individual well-being.