Presents findings from a questionnaire administered at two science centers and two natural history museums. Tables reflect demographic characteristics, education level, group size, number of children per group, and respondents' preferences regarding live demonstrations, objects to handle, dioramas, and video programs. The purpose of this study was…

Discusses the merits of science learning centers as a tool for teachers to encourage positive interaction among students of different backgrounds and ability levels. Describes the success of science centers through work with children and preservice teachers. (Author/KHR)

Studies memories of exhibits to explore the contribution of science centers to scientific literacy in the general population. Visitors participated in a structured interview about two exhibits they found interesting at the time of the initial visit and one month later. (Author/SAH)

Describes the "A Question of Truth" exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre which examines several questions about the nature of science itself, how ideas are formed, and how cultural and political conditions affect the practice of science. Observation data indicate that science center visitors are interested in considering science and the…

A natural history museum is a building where animals, plants, minerals, and other things in nature are kept and exhibited for study. This document is a curriculum guide to provide a variety of activities for educators and their students to use not only when visiting the International Wildlife Museum (Tuscon, Arizona), but also with natural history…

The objective in the compilation of the information is to reach individuals, groups or clubs devoted to conservation who may wish to visit nature centers in their vicinity. In addition, school officials contemplating outdoor education projects for their students are made aware of the location of successful, full-time programs. This list is an…

The distinction between formal education and museums and science centers has become less obvious over time as museums meet more needs of schools. This study examines two different cultures in the form of the school/museum partnership. The objective of the study was to identify the points at which two institutions, schools and museums, could merge…

Discusses the emphases that science and technology museums give to ethics and values issues and issues related to these museums as policy tools. Includes a brief classification of museums, the philosophical/practical dichotomy between these models as seen in two recent books, and major influences on science museums. (JN)

Presents a description of the curricula in physics at 124 universities, colleges, and polytechnical institutes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. General information is provided on examination requirements for admission and procedures for making application to the schools. (SA)

Presents a description of the curricula in physics at 16 universities, colleges, and polytechnical institutes in Scotland. The entry requirements are summarized and procedures for making application are given. (SA)

The Philadelphia-Camden Informal Science Education Collaborative Family Learning Project (PISEC) is comprised of three phases aimed at increasing understanding of family learning in science museums. Describes the results of a formative evaluation conducted during phase two. Successful family-learning exhibits include characteristics such as:…

Describes the conversion of a school courtyard to a working outdoor classroom and its use in teaching students about different subjects, including agriculture, barnyard animals, ecology, biology, horticulture, archaeology, and astronomy. (JRH)

Examines the trend at many institutions of higher education to construct unified science centers which stress the integration of the scientific disciplines. Offers examples of building design and design challenges, such as the integration of older buildings within a new science center. Suggests guidelines for the planning process. (DB)

Suggests that students can develop the ability to do science in an informal environment such as a zoo, aquarium, or museum. Informal environments provide live organisms, specimens and scientific objects that students can explore and study. (CCM)

Educators and museum evaluators are attempting to understand the influence science museums have upon science education and the kinds of learning experiences visitors have in the multisensory, informal learning environments of science museums. The problem investigated in this study involved the effectiveness of the exhibit interpreter. The study…