TOK EXHIBITION Object 1: The Human Genome Project’s Final Report
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The completion of the Human Genome Project marked a monumental advancement in genetic research, providing a comprehensive map of all human genes. This report serves as a tangible benchmark for how current knowledge in genetics has built upon and vastly improved our understanding compared to past knowledge, which was more fragmented and speculative. It exemplifies how technological advancements, collaborative research, and data sharing have contributed to more accurate, detailed, and accessible genetic knowledge, enabling breakthroughs in medicine, anthropology, and other fields.
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TOK EXHIBITION Object 2: Interactive Online Learning Platform (e.g., Khan Academy)
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Platforms like Khan Academy represent a significant evolution in educational methodologies, leveraging technology to provide accessible, personalized learning experiences across a wide range of subjects. This object illustrates how current knowledge about pedagogy and technology has improved upon past educational practices, which were often constrained by physical classroom settings and one-size-fits-all approaches. It highlights the role of technological advancements in enhancing the dissemination and customization of learning, making education more accessible and effective for a global audience. This example serves to demonstrate how new tools and understanding in the field of educational technology can lead to improvements in how knowledge is communicated and absorbed.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 3: A Vintage Computer (e.g., Apple II)
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The Apple II, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers, symbolizes the early stages of personal computing technology. By examining its capabilities in contrast to modern computing devices, students can reflect on the rapid advancement in computing power, user interface design, and accessibility. This comparison highlights how iterative improvements, driven by technological innovation and user feedback, have enhanced our ability to process, store, and disseminate knowledge.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 4: A 19th-Century World Atlas
- Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
- Rationale: An antique world atlas showcases the state of geographical knowledge in the 19th century, reflecting the exploratory knowledge and cartographic techniques of the time. Comparing this atlas with current digital mapping technologies (such as Google Earth) illustrates the evolution of cartography, driven by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the Earth’s geography. This object prompts discussion on how new tools and discoveries have corrected past inaccuracies and expanded our spatial knowledge, offering more precise and interactive ways to explore the world.
TOK EXHIBITION Object 5: LED Light Bulb
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: The development of the LED light bulb represents a significant improvement over past lighting technologies, such as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, in terms of energy efficiency, longevity, and environmental impact. This object allows students to consider how advancements in materials science and understanding of electroluminescence have led to the creation of lighting solutions that are vastly superior to their predecessors, reflecting broader themes of progress and sustainability in technological development.
