"Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments" ed. by M. Fenichel, H.A. Schweingruber

In short, this book makes valuable research accessible to those working in informal science: educators, museum professionals, university faculty, youth leaders, media specialists, publishers, broadcast journalists, and many others.



Practitioners in informal science settings–museums, after-school programs, science and technology centers, media enterprises, libraries, aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens–are interested in finding out what learning looks like, how to measure it, and what they can do to ensure that people of all ages, from different backgrounds and cultures, have a positive learning experience.

Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments, is designed to make that task easier. Based on the National Research Council study, Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits, this book is a tool that provides case studies, illustrative examples, and probing questions for practitioners.

Contents
Preface
PART I Frameworks for Thinking About Science Learning
1 Informal Environments for Learning Science
Venues for Learning Science
Illustrating the Common Characteristics of Informal Environments
everyday Science: WolfQuest: Playing to Learn
everyday Science: Science in Unexpected Places: Learning at a Science Café
Reflecting on the Cases
A Systematic Approach to Learning
For Further Reading
Web Resources
2 Science and Science Learning
Science as a Social and Cultural Enterprise
everyday Science: Research in Your Backyard: Participating in the Practices of Science
What Is Science Learning?
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources

PART II Designing Experiences to Promote Science Learning
3 Design for Science Learning: Basic Principles
Insights from Research on Learning
Strategies for Putting Research into Practice
Learning from Interactive Experiences
everyday Science: Cell Lab: An Opportunity to Interact with Scientific Instruments
Challenges of Designing for Learning
everyday Science: Probing the Depths of The Mind at the Exploratorium
everyday Science: Science Learning Among Kids of All Ages
Learning Through Media
everyday Science: How DragonflyTV Fosters Learning
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
4 Learning with and from Others
Conversations and Language
everyday Science: Listening to Conversations at the Frogs Exhibition
Explanation: A Learning Tool Between Parents and Children
everyday Science: A Conversation at the Museum
Roles That Support Learning
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
5 Interest and Motivation: Steps Toward Building a Science Identity
The Role of Interest in Informal Environments
everyday Science: Building Exhibits Based on the Motivation Model
Cultivating and Sustaining Interest
everyday Science: An Innovative Project with Urban Teens
Well-Developed Interest and Changes in Identity
everyday Science: An Environmental Pioneer at Work
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
6 Assessing Learning Outcomes
Challenges of Assessing Science Learning in Informal Settings
Developing Appropriate Assessments
Assessment and Evaluation
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources

PART III Reaching Across Communities, Time, and Space
7 Culture, Diversity, and Equity Rethinking Equity
Everyday Science: The Vietnamese Audience Development Initiative
Designing Informal Science Experiences for People with Disabilities
everyday Science: Culturally Relevant Exhibits for People with Disabilities
Integrating Native American Culture with Science
everyday Science: Merging Native Culture and Language with Science
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
8 Learning Through the Life Span
Children and Youth
everyday Science: Girls Explore Yellowstone
Informal Science Learning Experiences for Adults
everyday Science: Road Watch in the Pass
Experiences for Older Adults
everyday Science: Project SEE Offers Science for Seniors
Cohort Effects
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
9 Extending and Connecting Opportunities to Learn Science
Expanding Opportunities for Informal Science Learning
Linking Formal and Informal Settings
The Value of Field Trips
Taking Field Trips to the Next Level
everyday Science: The Mystery of the X-Fish
Another Model for Linking Schools and Informal Settings
everyday Science: The Lake Washington Watershed Internship Program
Out-of-School-Time Programs: An Opportunity for Partnerships
everyday Science: The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Pajaro Unified School District Working Together
Teacher Professional Development in Informal Settings
Learning Progressions and Preparation for Future Learning
Things to Try
For Further Reading
Web Resources
Appendix: Major Research Investments in the Connection of Formal and Informal Science Teaching and Learning
Notes
Acknowledgments
Photo Credits
Index
Biographical Sketches of Authors