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)

Framed by a "personal constructivist" perspective, this study analyses visitors' use of spontaneous memories in understanding different types of interactive exhibits, the nature and sources of the retrieved memories, and the way that visitors relate an exhibit analogically to memories of previous exhibits. One hundred and thirteen…

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…

The purpose of this study is to provide case studies of co-operation between education and industry in the Northern Territory in particular; the study also provides exemplars of co-operation between education and industry in Australia and worldwide. The existence of such co-operation is not surprising as education and industry share many common…

In this report, the California Postsecondary Education Commission finds that the proposal submitted by the Sequoias Community College District for the Center for Agriculture Science and Technology in Tulare County (California) has met the review criteria established for a new educational center and recommends that the State authorize it. The…

This document describes the Exploratorium Framework project which is a model initiative demonstrating the vital role science museums play in science education reform. Contents include: (1) "The Four Thematic Exhibit Experiments (An Overview)"; (2) "Themes (Looking at the World through Theme-Colored Glasses)"; (3) "Creating…

Discusses the characteristics of the Physics Activities Center established by the Kansas State University Department of Physics with the purpose of providing students the opportunities to "do their own thing". Included is a summary of its practical applications and a description of student reactions. (CC)

In many science classes in secondary schools facilities no longer determine activities since programs come first. (DS)

Presents the status of the Hungarian and Polish educational system and the new environmental awareness present there. Observations based on visitations to schools and universities are discussed. Comments are given on teaching materials, staff, programs, and research. (SA)

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)

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)

Too much classroom work is teacher-initiated, labor-intensive, abstraction-rich, and experience-lean. In contrast, science centers offer students a learner-initiated, discovery-rich opportunity to explore stimulating experiences, especially when second trips are made. Optimal learning occurs with a dynamic blending of abstract and experiential…

Describes "Challenge of Materials," a gallery where visitors can experience a wide variety of materials in different ways. Materials include familiar structural items such as steel and glass, and new materials that can change form and color. The gallery also provides opportunities for work with schools in materials science and…