Facilitating Family Group Inquiry at Science Museum Exhibits.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Gutwill, Joshua P.; Allen, Sue
- Source
- Science Education; July 2010, Vol. 94 Issue 4, p710-742, 33p
- Subject
- Science museums
Inquiry method (Teaching)
Educational games
Qualitative research
Science exhibitions
Museums & education
Science education
Teaching methods
Nonformal education
Inquiry-based learning
Families
- Language
- ISSN
- 00368326
A study examined programs to deepen families' scientific inquiry practices in a science museum setting. The programs incorporated research-based learning principles from formal and informal educational environments. In a randomized experimental design, two versions of programs, called inquiry games, were compared to two control conditions. Family members were interviewed about their perceptions and use of the inquiry games. Findings showed that visitors who learned the inquiry games improved their inquiry more than those who did not.