The new role of the museum science center in science education is presented. Various innovative programs for amateurs, aspiring scientists, and casual visitors at several leading science centers are discussed. (SA)

Focuses on the interactive science center and its history over the last four decades. Traces the original idea to Francis Bacon. Recommends the use of cross-site studies to develop a model of learning in this setting. Contains 141 references. (DDR)

Explains certain writing projects oriented toward real life situations (in this case a proposal to establish a museum display) can help college students bridge the perceived gap between academic writing and the kind of writing that will be asked of them in the professional world. Suggests that students' attitudes and writing improved as a result…

Reports on activities at the 1996 MCN (Museum Computer Network) annual conference in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) that centered around information management and new technology in museums. Topics include managing change; use of the Internet; digital imaging; intellectual property; copyright; licensing; standards; and integrated information systems.…

Explains the idea of a multidisciplinary doctoral curriculum that would blend and foster activity in five areas: (1) foundational disciplinary literature, (2) research and theory about museums, (3) operation of and practices in museums, (4) research methodology, and (5) design and evaluation of practice. (DDR)

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) enhances perpetuation of indigenous communities through its "Fourth Museum" program that supports living community museums created by and located in indigenous communities of the Americas. Through education and financial and technical aid, NMAI helps community…

Focuses on the life and career of Fairfield Porter who was a painter working in the style of Intimist inspired Realist. Provides background information on Porter and examples of his artwork. Describes the exhibit "Fairfield Porter: A Life in Art, 1907 1975." (CMK)

Explores programs at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Focuses on the museum's preschool program and the hands-on science facility. (DDR)

Describes several programs that were developed by staff at the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library to be accessible to users with disabilities. Highlights include a Braille reading program; sensory garden; poetry club; book club based on talking books; wheelchair athletics; touching museum artifacts; and a mobile library for users who could not visit…

Outlines changes that have taken place in research methods that addressed the informal learning of science, particularly in the museum sector. Addresses perspective shifts, examines current issues, and suggests future directions for research. (Contains 63 references.) (SOE)

Investigates the development of park visitors' knowledge, values, and beliefs during their visit to the Midway Geyser Basin. Draws on prior work in the areas of museum and informal education, and public understanding of science and cognitive psychology. Interprets the results in terms of park visitors' knowledge systems, how the experience…

Describes an activity entitled the "Wax Museum" in which students create a scene based on an historical event such as the Colonial Period, Revolutionary War, or Industrialization. Provides a list of children's books that can be used as resource material for the creation of the museum. Includes helpful hints and procedures. (RW)

Describes a study that examined the use of a hypertext system by patrons of three museums. The results discussed include user preference for embedded menus over traditional indexes and user criteria for article selection. The discussion also covers appropriate approaches to analyzing usage data. (eight references) (CLB)

The recently opened George Gustav Heye Center (New York City) represents the first of three sites of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Three major exhibitions aim to tear down walls between Native and non-Native peoples and to give Native Americans the opportunity to interpret and present their own cultures through Indian…

Presents a variety of strategies to help teachers find and use community resources to enhance education. Ideas include bringing history to life at a local historical society, cultivating business partners, working with childrens' museums, and collaborating with local organizations. Tips for tapping into community resources are included. (SM)