The exhibition, "Cherished Possessions: A New England Legacy," consists of approximately 200 objects drawn from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities collection of fine and decorative arts. Each item in the exhibition has been selected for its ability to tell a story and to place the history of that item within the…

Discusses San Francisco's Exploratorium, a science teaching center with 500 exhibits focusing on human perception, but extending to everything from the mechanics of voice to the art of illusion, from holograms to harmonics. The Exploratorium emphasizes "simple science" (refractions/resonances, sounds/shadows) to tune in the senses and turn on the…

Reports on a follow-up study to an evaluation of art museum education practices from nearly a decade ago. That report criticized museum art education as lacking intellectual rigor and training, institutional support, technical training, and vision. The up-to-date data found some significant improvement but many of the same problems. (MJP)

Interactive science and technology centers are described that emphasize "hands-on" science. Examined are the outreach programs offered by many centers which include traveling exhibitions and published resource materials. Examples of follow-up activities to a center visit are included. (KR)

Examined is the contribution that hands-on, interactive centers can make to science education. The characteristics of informal and formal learning are compared and discussed. (KR)

Advocated is the use of interactive centers to supplement existing classroom laboratory experiences. Activities found in the center and modified classroom versions are described. The problems that arise when primary students meet sophisticated exhibits is discussed. (KR)

Describes the Earthmobile Project, a tractor trailer educational exhibit that contains a working model of a Native American archaeology site. Explains how the Project appeals to both student and teachers. Outlines how teachers can develop instructional activities that would replicate the Earthmobile experience. (CFR)

Compared a group viewing a slide/tape program designed to reduce the novelty of a science museum with a control group (n=64 sixth graders). The results indicate that boys in the experimental group had higher on-task exploratory learning and greater cognitive learning, but there was no effect for girls. (PR)

Students who participate in community outreach programs develop a positive awareness for civic duty and observe applications of their learning. Teachers and students discover the most vivid benefits of service learning when they participate themselves. Students are energized and the school builds a stronger link with the community. In this…

This article investigates three types of content presentation (video documentary, computerized dictionary, and games) within interactive computer use at the Quebec Museum of Civilization. The visitors' viewpoint is particularly relevant for interface designing outcomes, since they argued that terminals require specific content display for…

Interest in a science fair is low when students feel undirected and lack the information they need to produce a successful project. For many students, parents, and teachers, planning and carrying out a science fair project may be very frustrating. This book is designed to be a reference that helps teachers guide students through this process. The…

This ethnic studies guide contains lesson plans which introduce secondary students to the topic of immigration and ethnicity. It is intended to be used by students prior to visiting the Balch Institute's exhibit "The American Kaleidoscope" in Philadelphia. However, the lessons can be used independent of such a field trip to help students develop…

A Social Sciences Exposition and Fair has been conducted annually by Chesapeake College since 1978 as part of an effort to involve high school students and community organizations in competitive, academic events related to the social sciences and history, and to encourage faculty to participate in student recruitment. The first fair, held in…

Some museum techniques and methods can be used in fundamental educational programs without elaborate buildings or equipment; exhibitions should be based on valid presumptions and should take into account the "common sense" beliefs of people for whom the exhibit is designed. They can be used profitably in the economic development of local…

The basic objective of this study was to evaluate the educational value of fairs as perceived by Youth Leaders, Educators, and Fair Judges. The study sub-objectives were: (1) to provide a general description of the demographic characteristics of the groups surveyed; (2) to describe the nature and extent of their involvement in fair-related work;…