Criticism is offered concerning the biases of exhibits in science and technology centers provided by industries. Some are said to promote the activities of the industry and ignore the chance to challenge visitors by presenting balanced information. (SA)

Describes a unit on local history developed through the classification of projectile points which may be gathered on a field trip or viewed at a local museum. Suggestions for starting the unit and illustrating the nomenclature of projectile points are provided. (JM)

The executive director of the Association of Science and Technology Centers presents his response to criticism of industry-sponsored exhibits in science centers. He emphasizes the role of the classroom teacher in effectively using museums as learning resources where public controversy exists. (Author/SA)

Describes the Kids In Nature (KIN) program which is a partnership between Sedgwick Reserve and the University of California-Santa Barbara's Museum of Systematics and Ecology (MSE). Involves low-performing high school and feeder elementary school students in the restoration of their own land with plants and animals. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Describes the energy education program given for elementary school groups at the Museum of Science in Boston. Several energy machines or demonstrations are described and their use in this energy education program is outlined. Also some other suggestions to illustrate the use, storage, and transformation of energy are presented. (MDR)

Relates how a classroom can support and house a mini-museum of natural science. Describes the various types of exhibits and the range of activities that can be developed from them. Explains student involvement in exhibit design and use. (ML)

The role of the social group in learning at science centers is discussed. The author emphasizes that science centers can contribute to formal science education, although the environment is informal and the learning is not sequential. (Author/SA)

Describes a field trip experience for the Earth Odyssey project for elementary school students focusing on biodiversity. Introduces the concept of diversity, field work, species richness, and the connection between animals and their habitat. (YDS)

Describes a course offered by Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry designed to complement its Saturday Science Program, in which parents become involved in their children's science education. (CS)

Discusses the value of field trips to learning; emphasizes that the novelty of the setting can have positive effects on learning and behavior. (SA)

Describes collaborative efforts where museums and community organizations encourage family involvement in science, including the Girls at the Center (GAC) and Community Connections programs. Discusses challenges, strengths of partnerships, outreach efforts, and museum-based events. Contains 12 references. (JRH)

Describes a successful partnership program between the Museum of Natural History and local schools that empowers young people from Glendale Intermediate School to learn science and natural history, then share what they learn with 60 children, ranging in age from 6-12 years, enrolled in Mountain View Elementary School's extended-day program. (JRH)

Describes a cooperative program between Indiana University and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis that was designed to expose preservice elementary teacher trainees to children who were interacting with the museum's displays. Discusses some of the misconceptions that the children held about certain scientific concepts and the entertainment…

Provides a descriptive listing of museums and science exhibits that are essentially participatory and playful in nature for young children. Offerings in the areas of natural history, museums, science and technology centers and specifically children's museums are outlined. Educational benefits are discussed. (ML)

Describes how to build a classroom museum developed by students to provide an ongoing learning experience. Offers tips on generating ideas through class discussion, assigning facilitating roles associated with museums, developing exhibits, including interpretation, and sharing the museum with others. Students who have created their own museum…