TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: The Rosetta Stone
- Theme: Knowledge and Language
- Rationale: The Rosetta Stone, a granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree in three scripts, was pivotal in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Its discovery changed our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history, illustrating how linguistic breakthroughs can transform our comprehension of historical contexts. This object prompts discussion on how the unlocking of new knowledge can significantly alter our values and beliefs about history, heritage, and the continuity of human civilization. It showcases the profound impact that understanding previously inaccessible knowledge can have on cultural identity and historical narratives.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: First Image of a Black Hole by the Event Horizon Telescope
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The first image of a black hole captured by the Event Horizon Telescope project represents a monumental leap in astronomical knowledge. This breakthrough challenged and expanded our understanding of the universe, physics, and the very fabric of spacetime. It symbolizes how new scientific discoveries can prompt a reevaluation of established scientific beliefs and theories, influencing our conceptual and existential values about the cosmos and our place within it.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: A DNA Ancestry Test Kit
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: DNA ancestry tests have become a popular tool for exploring personal and familial heritage, often leading to surprising revelations about one’s ethnic background and family history. These tests can challenge individuals’ perceptions of their identity, prompting a reassessment of personal beliefs and values related to ethnicity, heritage, and family. This object illustrates the impact of new, personal knowledge on established notions of identity and demonstrates how technological advancements in genetics can influence our understanding of self and community.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: “The Social Dilemma” Documentary
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: “The Social Dilemma” documentary explores the impact of social media technology on human behavior, privacy, and society’s fabric. It serves as a powerful example of how new knowledge about the effects of technology can challenge and change established values and beliefs regarding connectivity, privacy, and the ethical use of personal data. By highlighting the unintended consequences of social media platforms, this documentary prompts viewers to reconsider their digital habits, privacy values, and the collective responsibility of tech companies and users in shaping a sustainable digital future.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: A Solar-Powered Water Purification Device
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: This device, which uses solar energy to purify water, represents an innovative approach to addressing global water scarcity and health issues. It embodies the potential of new knowledge in sustainable technology to alter existing beliefs and values concerning environmental stewardship, resource management, and community health. By demonstrating a practical solution to a critical global challenge, the solar-powered water purification device challenges and inspires a shift in values towards more sustainable living practices and the importance of technology in solving humanitarian issues.
