A range of sources support science learning, including the formal education system, libraries, museums, nature and Science Centers, aquariums and zoos, botanical gardens and arboretums, television programs, film and video, newspapers, radio, books and magazines, the Internet, community and health organizations, environmental organizations, and…

Investigates a museum exhibition design assumption that visitors develop conceptual understanding of a science topic after utilizing a cluster of conceptually related exhibits which lack explicit concept labeling. Also investigated whether visitor concept development could be enhanced through the addition of explicit labeling of the intended…

This study directly tests the effects of different museum-visit agendas on visitor learning. Two tools were used, a tool for measuring visitor motivations and Personal Meaning Mapping (PMM), a constructivist approach that measures visitor learning. Individuals who strongly desired both an educational and an entertaining experience learned more…

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

Validity of using time and behavior as predictors of learning was tested by collecting detailed visitor behavior and time expenditure while interacting with a participatory museum exhibit. Data from 12- and 13-year-olds (N=63: 32 males, 31 females) support the feasibility of using these predictors. Learning was measured using a 14-item test.…

Discusses the learning potentials of science museums. Examines studies that relate to visitor use and learning. Contrasts learning in museums with most school-based learning, particularly with regard to the museum's emphasis on the use of objects as the focus on learning. (TW)