More than a field trip: science programmes for elementary school groups at museums

Abstract

Science learning in non‐school settings is receiving increased attention both in practice and in the research literature. Schools increasingly turn to museums, zoos, aquaria and other science centres for assistance in educating students and these institutions are questioning how to make their exhibits and educational programmes more effective. The Program Evaluation and Research Group at Lesley College (PERG) has evaluated informal, non‐school science programmes for school‐age children for the past 15 years. In this paper we review our work, compare our findings with other published literature about elementary school programmes in extra‐school science institutions, and discuss issues that apply to all such programmes from the perspective of these institutions.