Examines the report of the National Research Council on the state of science education in the schools and examines the council's recommendations for new ways and new institutional settings in which members of the scientific community can play their part. (Author/IRT)

Suggests that students can develop the ability to do science in an informal environment such as a zoo, aquarium, or museum. Informal environments provide live organisms, specimens and scientific objects that students can explore and study. (CCM)

Presented is the argument that museums currently have a greater need for formative than for summative evaluation. Areas of formative evaluation that are of primary concern are also discussed. (Author/SA)

A high school sophomore describes his summer job at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum where he worked when a rock found in Antarctica was determined to have come from Mars. He identifies with the enthusiasm of preteen day-campers for scientific learning and is flabbergasted by the nonchalant reactions from scientists to the possibility…

Discusses the period of transition and self examination of the museology of science. Defines the main issues and limits of the museum as a means of transmitting a scientific culture and scientific ways. (Author/RT)

Discusses the role of education in a museum setting. Reviews the direction of thinking in museum education and the history of the museum movement in the United States. Highlights the preparation of viewers, the professional status of museum educators, and marketing museum programs as some problems in museum education. (CW)

This report describes the kinds of preparation and continual staff development elementary school teachers need to help them acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to foster science learning. In addition, the conditions and support needed to create an environment where good science teaching can flourish are discussed. Chapters included are:…

Discusses San Francisco's Exploratorium, a science teaching center with 500 exhibits focusing on human perception, but extending to everything from the mechanics of voice to the art of illusion, from holograms to harmonics. The Exploratorium emphasizes "simple science" (refractions/resonances, sounds/shadows) to tune in the senses and turn on the…

Describes entertainment and leisure activities with an information content that serve as informal sources of scientific knowledge available to the community. Discusses the present lack of communication and cross-referencing among the diverse groups concerned with the informal presentation of science and calls for greater sharing of ideas, data,…