This article discusses the challenge of assessing the readability of labels. Two solutions to this problem are offered and briefly summarized: apply readability formulas to the text or obtain visitor input.
This article cites two ways one can approach designing labels in informal learning settings: tie learning style to label design or the Denver Art Museum Approach (bridge the gap between novices and experts and design labels that "make a human connection").
This article reviews how group variables (social interactions) play a role in museum learning as well as how exhibit variables influence group learning. Exhibit developers are encouraged to incorporate these findings into label development.
This article discusses memory processes: concepts for enhancing memory and types of memory. Studies cited relate to how memory processes influence visitor interaction with exhibit labels.
This paper discusses attention labels and differentiates between sensory orientation and motivational attention. Studies related to each aspect of attention are included to demonstrate how different variables influence each type of attention.
Summative evaluation of the NSF- and NEH-funded Hunters of the Sky exhibition, including remedial, timing and tracking, and summative. The 5,000 square foot exhibition takes a science and humanities perspective on birds of prey. A particular focus of the evaluation was the exhibition's impact on "getting visitors to explore their own values and beliefs about the human relationship to the natural world" as well as "getting visitors to critically examine questions of economics, public policy, and environmental ethics related to the survival of raptors and their habitats." Sample data collection
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Deborah PerryKarla NiehusScience Museum of Minnesota
Bill Nye the Science Guy is a widely-viewed, children's television series on science. Designed for eight-to-ten year olds, this series is shown in late afternoons Monday through Friday on PBS stations and on commercial television over the weekends. Rockman et al, an independent research group in San Francisco, was contracted by KCTS, Seattle, WA, to undertake an evaluation of the Bill Nye the Science Guy television series. The evaluation was charged with exploring the impact of the series on children at home, in school, and in other settings where children can watch television. Both the
Through Wildlife Watch, participants gain first hand experience with plants and animals in their natural environment. The Wildlife Watch website features downloadable "watch" lists by state, and the capability for visitors to share wildlife sightings, photos and stories online. Wildlife Watch is an introductory citizen science program that is perfect for families, photographers, kids, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants a deeper connection with world around them.
Volunteer to participate in the MN Frog and Toad Calling Survey (MFTCS) to help monitor the number and distribution of frog & toad populations in MN. Participants will be assigned to pre-selected routes and asked to conduct nighttime "listening surveys" on 3 evenings per year between April and July. Available route locations and other information can be found on the MFTCS website. Training materials including a CD of frog calls, maps, and data forms are provided. Volunteers need a vehicle, good hearing, interest in frog conservation, commitment to completing assigned route, and desire to participate for multiple years.
Kansas teachers participate in workshops at Konza Prairie on prairie ecology and long-term data collection. They choose a native prairie site near their school where students can collect data annually. This real world research experience allows students to use their own data and data collected by other schools and in previous years for comparison in classroom units developed by their teachers. Student collected data is added to our databases on the Internet and is available for use in any classroom. Several activities are offered to fit the class curriculum.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Konza Prairie Biological StationValerie Wright