Engaging students in conversations around science and engineering design can be challenging. Sparking such conversations during field trips at an interactive science center has additional challenges. First, students vary considerably in age from day to day: science center employees might work with first graders one day and sixth graders the next.…

One plausible method for ensuring students are truly understanding science fundamentals beyond being actively and intellectually engaged is to consider how informal learning environments can provide meaningful relevancy by connecting to real-world instances. Transforming traditional science centers into informal learning centers will ensure that…

Describes the Science Teacher Education at Museums (STEAM) program and focuses on the approach taken at the St. Louis, Hartford, and San Francisco Centers. Includes examples of the types of workshops offered. Provides a listing of museums that have been awarded grants. (ML)

Describes the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Pennsylvania which seeks to develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary to improve the relationship of man to nature and man and man. The facility is utilized for elementary student activities, teacher workshops, handicapped programs, and college university groups. (DS)

Described is the Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement, Inc., near Hartford, Connecticut, and the programs in natural science offered at the facility and by center personnel in local schools. (SL)

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)