Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Evidence for family engagement in scientific reasoning at interactive animal exhibits

October 11, 2012 | Exhibitions
While the opportunity to engage in scientific reasoning has been identified as an important aspect of informal science learning (National Research Council, 2009), most studies have examined this strand of science learning within the context of physics‒based science exhibits. Few have examined the presence of such activity in conjunction with live animal exhibits at zoos and aquariums. A video study of 41 families at four touch‒tank exhibits, where visitors can observe and interact with live marine species, revealed that families engaged in making claims, challenging claims, and confirming claims as well as other actions associated with scientific reasoning such as applying prior knowledge, making and testing predictions and hypotheses, and constructing arguments. We provide examples of scientific reasoning and examine the role of claims in promoting scientific reasoning. Implications for rethinking learning opportunities and interpretational approaches at touch tanks, as well as examination of the unique characteristics of these and similar exhibits, are discussed.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • JK 3
    Author
    California State University
  • 2014 07 21 Shawn R
    Author
    Oregon State University
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
  • Charles Kopczak
    Author
    California Science Center
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1002/sce.21036
    Publication Name: Science Education
    Volume: 96
    Number: 6
    Page Number: 1047-1070
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Education and learning science | General STEM | Life science
    Audience: Families | Museum/ISE Professionals | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Aquarium and Zoo Exhibits

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.