Criticism is offered concerning the biases of exhibits in science and technology centers provided by industries. Some are said to promote the activities of the industry and ignore the chance to challenge visitors by presenting balanced information. (SA)

Discusses the preparation of the Reptile and Amphibian exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History. Various steps involved in developing the ten showcases in a six-year period are presented. (SA)

Reports on an exploratory study of how people see and explain a prominent exhibit (Tornado) at an interactive science museum (the Exploratorium). Data was assembled using a novel, technically mediated activity system (Video Traces). Argues that Video Traces is an effective tool and discusses an expanded Video Traces system. (Author/DKM)

Makes the case that there is a weakness in the scholarly base of the museum profession and that the Ph.D. degree is mainly a research and publication degree and therefore not recommended for museum programs. Suggests that museum studies programs pursue the doctor of arts (D.A.) rather than the Ph.D. (MVL)

Discussion of the Internet 2 community, formed from partnerships involving universities, businesses, and the government, focuses on the K-20 Initiative that extends Internet 2 developments to other nonmember environments, including elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, universities, libraries, and museums. Discusses networking and…

Illustrates the efficacy of an approach for collecting and analyzing family conversational data at museums and other informal settings. Examines data from three families which focus on conversation centered on biological themes, specifically adaptation. Analyzes inquiry skills used in making sense of science content. Offers educators…

Reports the findings of an interpretive case study of the knowledge transformations of three Year 7 students who had participated in a class visit to a science museum and associated post-visit activities. Discusses theoretical and practical implications of these findings for teachers and staff of museums and similar institutions. (Author/KHR)

A Birmingham (England) Museum and Art Gallery program helped visitors view hidden objects in artworks and understand how museum representations depict and interpret culture. More informal learning opportunities were developed as a result of the program. (SK)

Examines the work of people who design exploratory exhibits for science museums. Discusses asking good questions, meaningful learning, design criteria from "interest experts," and four concepts about ideal learning environments which include choice in formal and informal learning, expert jargon and natural language, skills and dispositions, and…

Contains an annotated bibliography of literature that addresses understanding the family-learning process. The material relates to the definition of family, why families visit museums, how they behave in museums, how they learn in museums, and how this type of learning is measured. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Explains the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) model which was proposed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) as a framework to proceed content-based analysis and developing metadata format. Presents a case study that examines the feasibility of the FRBR model at the National Palace…

Reviews research related to gender and learning in science museums. Examines 10 studies including studies of stereotypic behavior patterns, parent talk and family interactions, and gender-biased exhibits. Describes the need for a better understanding of gender differences in informal learning environments and more exhibits specifically designed to…

Goals of the Children's Museum of Boston are to encourage curiosity, skepticism, and realism while providing opportunities for discoveries and new insights. The museum addresses the needs of young children through adolescents by providing a multicultural environment and participatory learning centers. (JDD)

The inquiry approach of Discovery Place of Birmingham, Inc., in Birmingham, Alabama, invites children of all ages to explore the excitement of science, technology, art, and humanities. The educational resource center provides interactive exhibits, hands-on materials, teacher workshops, and family programs. (JDD)

Discusses teacher training in science available from local science museums for elementary school teachers. Includes a list of science museums offering instructional products and services. (FMW)