This article explores immersive learning experiences for young learners in a planetarium setting. These experiences open new learning possibilities and ignite children's inquiry and imagination. The authors describe a naturalistic observational study that examines two immersive planetarium programs for young children. Data was collected as…

This research project applied Projective Reflection (PR) as a theoretical and methodological framework to "facilitate" learning as identity exploration. PR was used to iteratively design and implement three versions of "Virtual City Planning," an augmenting virtual learning environment (AVLE) course in a science museum…

The underrepresentation of girls and students of color in STEM fields, particularly in science, is an ongoing issue that is very well documented. There is a limited amount of research that provides insight on experiences of girls, especially girls of color, who have been exposed to authentic science experiences. This article interrogates the…

The Dallas Science Place contains 55 interactive displays on observable phenomena, organized into 7 topic areas: motion, waves, matter, electromagnetism, energy, change, and entropy. Attempts were made to keep the exhibits' forms elemental, so that the underlying physical phenomena could be readily observed and experienced. (JDD)

The chronicle describes programs and offers other information relevant to the education of gifted students. The following are among the articles and features contained in this issue: "Science Museums and Gifted Students" (about the role of science centers in the education of gifted students) by M. Hyman; tips for students on Advanced Placement…

The energy and enthusiasm shown by young students walking through the doors of an interactive science museum is difficult to surpass. Awaiting them is an opportunity to explore, create, discover, and learn about the world. This article presents the interactive science museum project of eight-grade students. Fifth-grade students were the target…

Numerous private and government-run science museums and centers work actively with schools to provide hands-on experience and bolster science curricula. According to a recent Association of Science and Technology Centers report, 88 percent of science museums say they plan their education programs jointly with school personnel, and 57 percent have…

Argues that affective learning is a poorly understood phenomenon and that objective-setting and evaluation for learning in the affective domain are often neglected in educational programs. Addresses the problem this creates for nonformal science-learning centers. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

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)

Reports on a study of parent-child interactions in a children's museum demonstrating that parents shape and support children's scientific thinking in everyday, nonobligatory activity. Finds that when children engaged an exhibit with their parents, their exploration of evidence was observed to be longer, broader, and more focused on relevant…

Lists currently available programs for elementary and middle/junior high school teachers at museums throughout the United States. Identifies exemplary programs that were selected by the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Provides the museum's address, program name, intended audience, and types of programs offered. (ML)

Discusses and compares on-site and off-site exhibition development. Argues that the development and installation of museum exhibits for public urban spaces requires skill and experience that stretches beyond the expertise of a science-technology museum exhibition staff. Focuses on Science City, an outdoor exhibition created by the New York Hall of…

Describes the Science Teacher Education at Museums (STEAM) program and focuses on the approach taken at the St. Louis, Hartford, and San Francisco Centers. Includes examples of the types of workshops offered. Provides a listing of museums that have been awarded grants. (ML)

Describes the role played by the Children's Museum of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, in science education. Provides details of the history and logistics of the program which helps alleviate school science equipment problems by bringing kits and exhibits to the schools. (DDR)

Explores the use of an impact evaluation model across time and clientele groups that is used to evaluate exhibits from two science centers in Manila. Questionnaire and interview data indicate that students prefer exhibits that produce sound, light, and motion. (DDR)