The Materials Research Society will develop "Materials MicroWorld." This will be a nationally traveling exhibition that promotes public understanding of basic scientific principles, issues, and trends in materials research. "Materials MicroWorld" will be developed in two exhibit versions, 5000-sq.ft. and 1500- sq.ft., to serve large and small science centers nationwide. Accompanying educational materials and training videos will enable each museum to tailor exhibit-related programming to suit the needs of audiences and the capabilities of staff. An electronic 'Best of Materials Science Activities ' booklet will be developed for publication on the Materials Research Society website to deepen understanding of exhibit concepts and provide parents and educators with a variety of explorations on materials science that can be safely conducted at home or in school.
Hands-On Optics is a comprehensive, national level program that introduces middle school youth to the science of optics using hands-on kits, modules and related activities. Six optics modules will be developed for use in after-school and weekend programs. Modules will focus on engaging topics such as kaleidoscopes, optical illusions, magnifiers and solar telescopes while exploring the principles of reflection, refraction, light and vision. "Hands-On Optics" will be introduced at four MESA sites in California and then disseminated to 13 other sites in California, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, New York and Maryland. Additional dissemination venues include four science centers and two NSF-funded research centers. Students will also develop optic projects for competitions and participate in Industry Shadow Days, while parent workshops and a supporting website will provide guidance on careers. "Hands-On Optics" is projected to serve 39,500 students over a three-year period.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Anthony JohnsonStephen PompeaEugene Arthurs
The Franklin Institute Science Museum will develop, install and evaluate "The Franklin Air Show," a 5,000-sq. ft. interactive, permanent exhibition that explores the science and technology of aviation and aeronautics. Taking advantage of nationwide interest in the 100th anniversary of powered flight occurring in 2003, and the institute's collection of Wright Brothers Aeronautical Collection (including a restored 1911 Model B Flyer), "The Franklin Air Show" presents aviation and aeronautical technology as a vehicle for demonstrating basic science principles and the practical application of scientific and technical knowledge through invention, innovation and design. To extend the reach of "The Franklin Air Show," the Institute will disseminate parent and teacher curriculum guides through partnerships with the American Association of Physics Teachers and the Federal Aviation Administration. The exhibit is supported by innovative World Wide Web programming on The Franklin Institute Online, including "Flights if Inspiration" and digitized artifacts from the Wright collection.
The Exploratorium's Going APE project (APE=Active Prolonged Engagement) developed 30 exhibit designs to encourage visitors to become more cognitively engaged with exhibits--to use exhibits as tools for self-directed exploration, rather than as authoritative demonstrations. To do this, the staff drew on work in the fields of education, visitor research, human factors engineering, computer interface design, and interactive exhibit development at other museums. The project also integrated evaluative research into exhibit development to maximize possibilities for visitor-authored questions