Our state history museum here in Tallahassee uses  these for
the school children and as a field trip mother, I found that the kids
really don't care about them.  They do them because the teacher gives
them an extra grade for doing them, but the minute they find the
information needed to answer the question they leave for the next
exhibit forgetting to even look at the exhibit.  I was left behind
quite a few times and had to look for my group quite alot. I found
that if I gave them a information about the exhibit or asked them
questions about it, they would linger a bit longer.  As i frequent the
museum a lot, I am more familiar with it, but most people are not like
me.
        I feel that a museum guide with each group would be better
able to explain each of the exhibits and ask questions to involve the
children.  I know that sometimes that would not be feasible if there
aren't enough volunteers or paid personnel to handle it.  I know the
museum here in Tallahassee handles so many school groups it is almost
impossible.
         Maybe a sheet for each of the parent aides and teachers with
a synopsis of each exhibit and they could be the ones to present it to
their group OR if teachers had the students do the sheet AFTER the
trip to see which students actually looked or understood the exhibits.

        Debra Westerman
        Museum Registrar
        Florida Park Service