Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition?
It is an educational exhibition that answers the main questions young people have about sexuality. It imparts what science has to say on the topic, conveys a positive image of sexuality and, ultimately, helps young people hone their judgment skills so they can make enlightened decisions.
2. Who is the exhibition for?
Adolescents 12 years and older, parents seeking a better understanding of the subject in preparation for their children's questions, teachers of high school and their students, health care professionals, and anyone else who wishes to learn more. Children younger than 12 may visit the exhibition as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
3. Why did the Montréal Science Centre decide to produce Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition?
The human body and sexuality are subjects of broad appeal and fundamental concern, especially for young people, who are among the Montréal Science Centre’s most important clienteles.
4. How is the scientific content of Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition presented?
A number of scientific fields are covered, such as biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, public health, and sexology, to name a few. The exhibition explains the physiological and psychological manifestations of sexuality from a scientific standpoint, answering young people’s most common concerns in frank but tactful language.
5. Who participated in the exhibition’s development?
The Montréal Science Centre formed a scientific committee made up of doctors, public health experts, science education specialists, and sexologists, who were responsible for validating the exhibition’s content and presentation. A focus group of young people also took part in the development, commenting on different versions of the exhibition content. Finally, the Montréal Science Centre also consulted with parents in order to assess their expectations, needs, and concerns.
6. Won’t Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition encourage young people to have sex?
No. The exhibition informs visitors and helps them understand the issues surrounding sexuality so they can make enlightened and responsible decisions. The exhibition is designed to present information in a scientific, fun and interactive manner, an approach that the Montréal Science Centre holds dear.
7. Sexuality is already so pervasive in the lives of today’s youth. Why must the Montréal Science Centre talk about it too?
It is precisely because it is talked about so frequently that it should also be discussed in a place like the Montréal Science Centre, because:
- the information young people get is not always accurate,
- the prevalence of sexuality puts a lot of pressure on young people,
- reliable and comprehensive sources of information are rare or little-known.
8. Does the exhibition deal with:
- contraception?
- masturbation?
- homosexuality?
- STIs?
The exhibition deals with all of these subjects in as general a manner as possible. The Montréal Science Centre offers reliable resources to young people who wish to learn more about certain subjects.
9. How does the exhibition fit in with my child’s school curriculum?
In the new Québec Education Program, sex education does not fall under the purview of a single subject, but rather becomes the responsibility of a number of partners. The concepts related to sexuality dealt with in the exhibition can be covered in several courses: English, Ethics and Religious Culture, Science and Technology, etc. The Montréal Science Centre’s exhibition actually facilitates the work of teachers, who can cover the topic of sexuality as part of a school field trip.
10. My child will be visiting the exhibition on a school field trip. Will teachers and students be well prepared?
Yes. The Montréal Science Centre has developed a Teacher’s Guide, which includes in-class activities for before and after the MSC field trip. As they visit the exhibition, students also complete a quiz-game designed to help them integrate the exhibition’s content more effectively and provide a more structured experience. At the end of the visit, students are invited to take part in a debate on a related topic (optional).
11. Would you recommend this exhibition for families? Will it interest my children, aged 13 and 10?
The exhibition is recommended for children aged 12 and up. However, the Montréal Science Centre offers a wide range of exhibitions and IMAX films that younger children will enjoy. In this way, parents can accompany a younger child, while their adolescent explores the exhibition.
12. Can my teenager visit the exhibition without me?
Yes. Teenagers may explore the exhibition individually or with friends, like all the other activities offered by the Montréal Science Centre. A museum interpreter is also on hand at the exhibition entrance to answer any questions.
13. Will I find Sex: A Tell-all Exhibition interesting even without my teenager?
Yes. The exhibition is completely appropriate for parents who wish to learn more about their children’s concerns regarding sexuality, and it will put them in a better position to answer any questions their children might ask. In addition, because the exhibition presents sexuality in a very accessible manner, it may even answer questions they themselves have.