Science learning at museums, zoos, other informal settings

Each year tens of millions of Americans, young and old, choose to learn about science outside of the classroom in informal settings such as museums, aquariums, zoos, and after-school programs, as well as through educational media. LEARNING SCIENCE IN INFORMAL ENVIRONMENTS: PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PURSUITS, a new report from the National Research Council, examines what is known about the effectiveness of these settings in helping people learn about science. It also recommends ways exhibit designers, program staff, and front-line educators can improve these experiences. The report will be released at 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Source: National Academy of Sciences