Describes the recent trend of establishing theater companies in science museums and zoos. Provides a brief history of science museums. Emphasizes that modern science museums and zoos are interactive. Examines the American Zoo as a model. Presents an overview of two museum theater groups and describes some of the current popular shows at other…

This article describes a teacher development program that engages history and social studies teachers in making connections between learning and the well-being of places in which people actually live. "Our Place in History" is a three-year, federally-funded professional development institute for twenty teachers from diverse communities…

The Museum Resource Center in Waterford, New York, is a pullout program where gifted elementary students work on individual projects in science, technology, or the humanities. Students engage in five tasks in developing a museum display: selcting a topic, exploring it in depth, constructing a display to illustrate their findings, demonstrating…

The conference report describes a project to increase the use of museums in enhancing and supplementing school and enrichment activities for students at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). The values of museum experiences for the deaf are analyzed, and activities coordinated between the Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., and…

Described is an art museum located in the converted classroom of a middle school. Students plan and install the exhibitions, act as guides, and write catalogs and publicity materials. (RM)

In a four-day project, students designed an imaginary gallery based on works in the Carnegie Institute's two museums--the Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. (RM)

Computers at the Children's Museum (Washington, DC) are used for exhibits, classroom teaching, and development of educational software. Describes computer exhibits in the museum including the "Future Center," a room equipped with 20 Atari 800s used for instructional purposes. Also describes several computer programs used in the museum. (Author/JN)

The document describes development and implementation of a program offered by the Boston Children's Museum to facilitate museum visits for handicapped children and their families. An advisory council was formed with professionals who work with families and parents of severely disabled children. Among the original objectives were the provision of a…

This 45-paper anthology presents an overall picture of 1973-1983 writings in Roundtable Reports, the quarterly journal of Museum Education Roundtable. Thirty-five of the articles appeared in previous Roundtable Reports, while some are new articles that reflect on original articles to provide context and historical perspective. Papers are grouped…

The annual Detroit public school's art exhibitions, held for the past 46 years at the Detroit Institute of Arts, are part of a long and lively tradition of cooperation between the museum and the city schools. The program is described. (RM)

Article described Project "Turn-On," which took place at the Cloisters in New York City, designed to introduce children and teachers in District 6 in upper Manhattan to the beautiful and unusual "neighborhood" museum that became the focal point for active learning in many areas. (Author/RK)

A visitor to the Beit Hashoah Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles (California) reflects on her reactions to the exhibits. The museum is designed to challenge visitors to confront bigotry and racism as everyday experiences and to understand the Holocaust in both its historical and contemporary contexts. (MSE)

Describes "Contemporary Art Start," a year-long, curriculum-based art-education program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of contemporary art as a form of visual communication, personal expression, and social commentary. Discusses curriculum structure, the curriculum guide, how to engage teachers and students, using…

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the nation's largest living history museum, in partnership with the Social Science Education Consortium, scholars, educators, and teachers, has developed engaging learning materials for social studies classrooms. One such program is the Colonial Williamsburg History and Civics Project, which is based on…

A national study, mandated by the U.S. Congress and undertaken by the Institute of Museum Services, was completed to determine: (1) the nature and level of federal support for museums; (2) the areas in which federal support overlaps or is inadequate; (3) the impact of this institute in achieving its goals; and (4) the impact and status of…