Native peoples, like others, use objects not only as a means of adornment or as tools for living but also as statements about themselves in the greater whole of the universe, conveying many levels of information. These objects will remain a statement of tribal and individual identities serving as communicators to the outside world and as points of…

Retirement. It's a word with a wonderful ring, bringing images of afternoons on the golf course or lazy days puttering in the garden. It's a word that speaks of long stretches of time spent as one pleases, with children, grandchildren and significant others--or of taking those trips always promised and always put off. And then there are those who…

Research suggests that conversations at museums contribute to, as well as serve as evidence for, learning. Many museums use labels to provide visitors with information as well as stimulate conversation about exhibit topics. However, most studies on exhibit labels do not centre on conversations. This investigation uses a Vygotskian framework to…

When teaching science to kids, a visual approach is good. Humor is also good. And blowing things up is really, really good. At least that is what educators at the Exploratorium in San Francisco have found in the nine years since the museum began producing a live, off-the-cuff competition called Iron Science Teacher. Modeled after the Japanese cult…

This anthology places art at the center of meaningful urban education reform. Providing a fresh perspective on urban education, the contributors describe a positive, asset-based community development model designed to tap into the teaching/learning potential already available in urban cities. Rather than focusing on a lack of resources, this…

Among the many colorful stories in American library history, the Calumet (Michigan) Library has its own special place. (Author)

The national conversation about how to better educate our children, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, has shifted and is reaching a tipping point. The debate is no longer defined by the view that learning happens only in schools. Rather, reinforced by many years of research, it has advanced toward the realization that from…

Ways to present to children ideas that may be learned in a museum are discussed. (CK)

Describes the Aztec archaeological artifacts shown in the American Museum of Natural History exhibit: "Aztec Mexico: Discovery of Templo Mayor." More than 100 objects, ranging from human skulls to jewelry, found in the excavation of the Great Temple of Mexico located under the center of Mexico City, were displayed. (AM)

An exhibit designed for visually handicapped persons presented by the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Institute of Art included bronze sculptures and oil paintings from the institute's permanent collection. (CL)

Describes visits to London and Cambridge with special emphasis on the museums in those cities. (JRH)