Science Centres and Science Learning

Rennie, Léonie J.; McClafferty, T.

doi:10.1080/03057269608560078

Cited by 157 publications

(103 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…There are several reasons for taking school children to museums: science enrichment, increase exposure to science, social experience and entertainment, and having concrete experiences with abstract and complex phenomena (Griffin, 2004;Michie, 1998;Olstad & Kubota, 1991;Orion, 1993;Orion & Hofstein, 1994;Rennie & McClafferty, 1995, 1996. Unfortunately, the majority of the teachers who were interviewed for this study could not specify the reasons for their visit.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Museums that emphasize science and technology have been especially busy; perhaps because of the central place allocated to science and technology in the curriculum in many countries (Falk & Dierking, 2000;Gilbert & Priest, 1997;Griffin, 2004). Many museum programs are developed to reinforce, support, and complete the science curriculum (Rennie & McClafferty, 1995, 1996. Teachers believe that museum visits stimulate interest and motivation in science and develop scientific and social skills ( Michie, 1998).…”

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Guided school visits to natural history museums in Israel: Teachers' roles

2005

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ABSTRACT:Museums are favorite and respected resources for learning worldwide. In Israel, there are two relatively large science centers and a number of small natural history museums that are visited by thousands of students. Unlike other countries, studying museum visits in Israel only emerges in the last few years. The study focused on the roles and perceptions of teachers, who visited four natural history museums with their classes. The study followed previous studies that aimed at understanding the role teachers play in class visits

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theoretical Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Guided school visits to natural history museums in Israel: Teachers' roles

2005

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“…14 Their social role seems to be the main one and even though they are referred to as knowledgeable people there is little research conducted into their contribution to visitors' learning. 15 How their knowledge should be used is the object of other observations. Russell and Edwards 16 suggest they try, particularly with children, to make nearly everything they say end with a question mark, instead of overloading children with explanations.…”

Section: Why Are They Important?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Literature review

Alfonsi¹

2005

JCOM

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Few research studies have been conducted on the interpreter’s role in a Science Centre. Although the importance of this role is always stressed by museum practitioners, it seems that anecdotal evidence is the main source of information on this theme. The experience of a visitor in a Science Centre as well as in other museums has, among other things, well defined social dimensions. These dimensions are crucial in determining the quality and enjoyment of a visitor’s experience. There is evidence that suggests visitors go to a museum to meet others. Among the people that visitors meet in a Science Centre are interpreters, who help them not only to use and understand the exhibits but also to become familiar with a new environment. The following sections will illustrate what research studies say about interpreters, considering their twofold relation with visitors and exhibit developers.

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“…There are also indirect benefits; a more informed and better understanding populace can increase the support for ones discipline 18 . Younger scientists and students especially can benefit from outreach work 31 . The act of communicating specialist knowledge, in plain language to non-specialists, is a learning experience in and of itself.…”

Section: Outreach and The Academymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For those with an inclination to educational research, museums can provide an excellent laboratory for the study of human learning. Many already are engaged in this sort of work 31 . There is also room for contributions to the development and evalulation of the practices in the design of outreach programs 27 .…”

Section: Outreach and The Academymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Museum Outreach

Haase¹

2016 ASEE Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

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Mark Haase is currently completing his PhD in Chemical Engineering. His research is focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanocarbon materials, especially carbon nanotube arrays exhibiting the property known as spinnability. Mark has been involved with teaching since starting his graduate work, developing laboratory experiences and lesson content pertaining to nanotechnology. He is outreach work enters around introducing people, especially youth, to nanotechnology concepts.c American Society for Engineering Education, 2016The Impact of Museum Outreach AbstractMuseums are organizations dedicated to developing understanding in a broad audience. Science musuems in particular are known for this. The general public believes in the effectiveness of this museum work, frequently turning to these institutions for knowledge and understanding. Further, the public increasingly finds enjoyment in the learning opportunities provided by these institutions. However, these institutions are experiencing increasing difficulty in accessing subject matter expertise, especially in young fields.Scientists and engineers are strongly motivated to share their understanding of technical subjects with others. Most a driven towards this communication centered outreach by personal desire. This desire is reinforced by professional and institutional requirements. However, these groups are concerned about the effectiveness of their efforts. Their time is limited, and it can be difficult to reach a wide audience.Developing partnerships between subject matter experts and museums provides a mechanism to resolve both difficulties. Museums gain access to much desired expertise, and scientists and engineers gain access to established mechanisms for reaching a broad audience. Here, an example of this sort of partnership is considered: presentations aiming to improve staff and volunteer understanding of nanotechnology. A single presenter improves the understanding of a museum personnel, who in turn guide visitors to a fuller understanding. This outreach event, and its evolution, are described. A simple survey was developed using standard techniques, and used to assess the impact of these presentations on the audience. Ultimately, the activity was succesful; it is presented here as a guide for those interested in pursuing similar outreach.

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Science Centres and Science Learning

Cited by 157 publications

References 55 publications

Guided school visits to natural history museums in Israel: Teachers' roles

Guided school visits to natural history museums in Israel: Teachers' roles

Literature review

The Impact of Museum Outreach

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