This guide is based on findings of a year-long study undertaken by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to evaluate Institute-sponsored programs for youth aged 9-19 between 1998 and 2003, and discussion with the IMLS Youth Action Committee and practitioners about the kind of information needed for planning and implementing effective…

Designed to develop the reader's knowledge and skills, this book explores key issues such as communication, power relations, ethics, gender exclusion, sexuality, race discrimination, and social class in informal education in the youth work setting. The author places emphasis on conversation as a key means of promoting informal learning and…

Field trips don't have to be grueling. This practical guide helps teachers work together with science educators in the community to avoid common pitfalls that interfere with the many science-learning opportunities that exist in museums, parks, and science centers. The book offers tips and strategies on selecting community resources for field…

In 1992, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) launched a 3-year project titled Natural Resources for Equity in Science: Connecting Museums and Community Groups, also known as Project MOSAIC (Museums Offering Science Assistance in the Community). This manual and accompanying video, designed by Project MOSAIC, covers…

The National Aeronautical Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) produces a wide range of products for teachers and students and supports educational activities for all grade levels in cooperation with the NASA Headquarters Education Division. This catalog presents the diverse educational programs, products, and resources…

Describes a gradual, three-month process for getting teachers interested in using a microcomputer, including placing the microcomputer first in the principal's office and then in the teachers' lounge; providing resources and inservice sessions with a consultant; encouraging teacher use at home and in class; and buying new software. (RW)

This article explains the use of a community mapping methodology to identify natural learning environments and inclusion opportunities for young children with disabilities. Four steps are discussed: (1) selecting kinds of learning opportunities for mapping; (2) gathering information about community learning sources; (3) developing an informational…

This guide focuses on appropriate techniques for the evaluation of electronic media educational programs. Such evaluation helps to provide the educator with the feedback that is missing whenever there is no direct contact with students, and also with information on the relative worth of an educational program. The four-part publication includes:…

This manual for directors of school-age child care (SACC) programs contains six sections. Section I provides a rationale for SACC. Section II describes characteristics of school-age children. The extensive Section III discusses characteristics of high quality SACC. After an initial discussion of the importance of out-of-school time, the section…

Interactive science and technology centers are described that emphasize "hands-on" science. Examined are the outreach programs offered by many centers which include traveling exhibitions and published resource materials. Examples of follow-up activities to a center visit are included. (KR)

Examined is the contribution that hands-on, interactive centers can make to science education. The characteristics of informal and formal learning are compared and discussed. (KR)

Literature on the influence of computers on learning in formal classroom and informal out-of-school contexts is reviewed, and the primary policy considerations in diffusion of computer-based educational technology are examined. The article suggests that the boundaries between formal and informal learning environments can be overcome with…

Designed to supplement a short course for parents and their middle school children, this document provides organized, cooperative learning activities to be done at the zoo and at home. It is intended that the course be a vehicle for promoting positive attitudes toward the study of science in parents and their children and to increase their levels…

This booklet is designed to supplement a short course on microcomputers for parents and their middle school children. The course activities are designed to increase the computer literacy of the participants and also to provide an opportunity for parents and children to spend time with each other. The course is intended to take place during a…

Planning issues in the establishment of museums on college campuses, increasingly popular for the informal education they offer, are examined. Issues include evaluation of existing campus collections, purpose and use of the museum collection, program options, relationships with departmental faculty, market analysis, location, governance and…