Interactive science and technology centers are flourishing throughout the world. Displays in museums, aquaria and zoos are becoming much more interactive. These places offer exciting opportunities for school children to experience science and technology in a stimulating environment. But do such centers affect learning? Do they offer valuable…

Synthesizes educational research about learning in interactive science and technology centers, museums, aquaria, and zoos, and distills from it guidelines for science teachers to ensure that class visits enhance the learning for their students. Topics covered include visitor behavior, interacting with exhibits, visit structure, social context,…