Physics teachers are sometimes asked to teach an astronomy course for non-majors. One can't make that class dance and sing without the starry night, but on a brightly lit campus viewing deep sky objects may seem impossible. Hence instructors often opt for planetarium shows. However: 1) Planetariums aren't the real thing. 2) People living in large…

Although zoos have an increasingly important role to play in educating the public about conservation and inspiring pro-conservation behaviour, they are not firmly established as leaders of conservation education. A multitude of logistical challenges and methodological limitations in zoological education research are contributory factors to this.…

Research indicates that vocabulary development--linked to conceptual growth and comprehension--predicts student academic achievement throughout the elementary, middle, and high school grades. Intelligence increases as vocabulary continues to develop. The iSpy program provides high-quality, content-rich classroom books, learning manipulatives, and…

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a serious issue that threatens many species worldwide. Zoos and aquariums are in a prime position to educate visitors about this issue and work to reduce the impact of IWT. This article describes the work of four zoos across the United States that tested different ways to engage with visitors and broader…

Students with visual impairments do not have the same opportunity to see the equipment, activity, field, court, or game play as their sighted peers. Therefore, pre-teaching--the exposure to the entire upcoming unit before it starts--is warranted in order better support their inclusion in every activity with their peers at the same pace.

Time is a central concept for astronomy, yet how it is communicated in educational contexts has received insufficient attention in the literature. This study explores how time-related concepts are communicated in the planetarium, by analyzing 34 different planetarium sessions held in a diversity of Portuguese institutions. Sessions were video and…

Background: This study explored science teachers' participation in a professional development partnership with informal science institutions (ISIs) designed for urban middle school science teachers, known as the "Urban Advantage Science Initiative." The teacher training involved a whole school focused approach, providing teaching…

Use of demonstration plots showcasing native forbs and grasses in public greenspaces or along well-traveled paths can be helpful in increasing awareness of beneficial plant species. Signage can be used as an educational delivery method--such as that used in arboretums and museums--to bring awareness of the importance of biodiversity, pollinators,…

Learning opportunities can be found all around, and innovative education approaches are expanding the concept of a school environment. Nestled in the urban core of San Antonio, Texas, is a nature-based preschool that is taking a wild approach to learning about conservation. Will Smith Zoo School, part of San Antonio Zoo and named in honor of a boy…

Informal science educators' goals for preschool-age audiences (ages 3-5 years) shape how they design opportunities for children and families to learn science. However, little research has explored the opportunities provided by informal science educators for preschool-age children to engage in science practices. We invited 12 informal science…

Nearly every student today is coming into informal education programs with some form of trauma. This is especially true as we examine the long-lasting impacts of climate change, the pandemic, and identity-based prejudice on children. In response, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has undertaken a transformative journey in its education programs. This…

Planetariums have been used for a long time in astronomy education. Due to some disadvantages of permanent planetariums, it is seen that portable planetariums have become popular in recent years. Portable planetariums, due to their easy set up in anywhere, offer opportunities for those students studying in the regions where there are not…

Out-of-class learning environments are important learning environments because they improve students' mental and physical health as well as providing them with cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. However, it is necessary to make a plan, implement and evaluate the teaching processes appropriately to efficient benefit from out-of-class…

The experience of visiting a zoo as a child can be remembered decades later and potentially influences future environmental attitudes. In light of steadily growing criticism of the ethics and value of live animal shows, some zoos are seeking alternative means of delivering 'edutainment' to a broad audience. One such alternative is through theatre.…

This paper seeks to determine the value of field trips that help establish macromarketing and sustainability scholarship in mainstream business/marketing education. It explores the experiences of postgraduate marketing and business strategy students undertaking a field trip to the "World's Greenest Football Club," Forest Green Rovers. It…