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)

This examination of methods by which specificity is achieved in LC subject headings includes examples of the application of these methods in particular headings, and a brief discussion of problems of consistency and levels of specificity in LCSH. (Author/MBR)

Discusses some of the special art shows presented in honor of the nation's second century. Two examples were The Hudson River School: 19th Century American Landscapes, presented at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, and The World of Franklin and Jefferson at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. (Author/RK)

At the University of Texas Student Health Center, students created cut-outs of a male and female as a vehicle for introducing information about basic anatomy. (Author/RK)

Through art, children learn about the life of the Jews in America from 1654 to the present with special emphasis on the last 200 years. (Author)

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)

Explores to what extent and for which visitors do free-choice learning settings accomplish their educational mission. Uses data collected at the National Aquarium in Baltimore to determine whether grouping makes it possible to discern the nature of changes in aquarium visitors' conservation knowledge and attitudes. Discusses the effects of learner…

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)

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)

Outlines a cognitive model of visitors based on the concept of mindfulness/mindlessness. Presents an analysis of data on visitors to forestry centers in the United Kingdom. Results support the mindfulness approach as an appropriate cognitive model of visitors. (Author/CW)

Describes "Mystery in Progress," a traveling exhibit which traces the development of Predynastic Egypt. The exhibit provides a time line for Predynastic Egypt, depicts the history of the Hierakonpolis expedition, documents the formation of Egypt's first centralized nation state, and summarizes the emergence of a unified Egypt. (LS)

Describes the Amazonia exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, in Washington DC. The exhibit provides an example of the plant and animal life that exist in a tropical rain forest. (MDH)