The purposes of this study were: (1) to trace the historical development and growth of the role of children's science museums in the education of children in the United States through enrichment and supplementary programs, and (2) to identify and examine the trends or directions taken by the children's science museums in the services offered to schools and communities. The study was organized into chapters dealing with: (1) a review of related literature, (2) development of science museums for children, (3) museum programs, (4) governing and financial organization, and (5) the museum-school-community relationship. The results of the study showed a rapid development in organizations and programs after World War II. Museum programs included 56 areas of science with emphasis on coordinated programs with schools. Outdoor education and conservation programs increased sharply in the last ten years. Implications from the study included increased efforts in evaluations of the museum programs, follow-up studies, improvement of museum-school relationships, utilization of new facilities, and community support of the organizations. (Author/JR)