REEXAMINING CONNECTIONS - MUSEUMS AS SCIENCE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

The role of science museums in science education is changing. This art icle examines the science museum literature in light of the new emphas is for museums to become a unique partner with schools and colleges to enhance science literacy. Museums provide opportunities for students to be active participants in learning by manipulating real objects in a stimulating setting thus enhancing conceptual learning in the classr oom. Both components of learning are important for understanding of co mplex science concepts. Much of the literature pertaining to learning in museums is anecdotal and craft wisdom, indicating that more collabo rative research efforts are needed in the area of science education in museum settings. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.