So I’m trying to come up with some ‘best practice’ kind of examples of ways that science centres and museums can engage school audiences, both teachers and students. Education programs often begin and end with an excursion (field trip), maybe with a science show or activity tacked on. My little science centre will be starting a program next year in which pre-service teachers will work with us and local class to find a really innovative way of using the centre, and its resources. Since we’re pretty small, and out pool of visitors is pretty small, the kids that come once, come again, and programs are easier and cheaper to change regularly than exhibitions.
Anyway, one of the best examples of schools programs that I’ve found comes from the great granddaddy of us all, The Exploratorium, which runs a program called Iron Science Teacher, which is, yes, a parody of Iron Chef. There’s lots of eps online, and it has been running for years. Looks cool! Anyone seen it in the flesh?
And, any more ideas, Dopers? Does your local centre do anything amazing? I’m looking for ideas for programs that would let classes use our science centre either as inspiration or a catalyst, or using our staff, and our links to working scientists, as a resource.