The Australian National Key Centre for School Science and Mathematics
Educution at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia has undertaken a
number of studies investigating learning of school groups to interactive
science/technology centres and science museums.  In addition a thorough
review of research have been completed.

These studies have been published and presented, see

Rennie, L. J. & McClafferty, T. P. (1995). Using visits to interactive
science and technology centers, museums aquaria, and zoos to promote
learning in science. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 6(4), 175-185.


Southern Hemispherites should be able to obtain an edited version designed
for teachers.  This is particularly handy for science centres' education
staff to understand how teachers "operate" when they bring class groups on
field trips:

Rennie, L. J. & McClafferty, T. (1995). Don't compare, complement: making
the best use of science centres and museums. set: Research information for
Teachers, 1(1), 1-4.  (This is jointly published by the Australian Council
for Educational Research and New Zealand for Educational Research)


A good overveiw in 1989 of school groups was provided by Visitor
Behavio(u)r,4 (2).

See:

Bitgood, S. (1989). School field trips: An overview. Visitor Behavior,
4(2), 3-5.

Bitgood, S. (1989). Bibliography: School field trips to museums/zoos.
Visitor Behavior, 4(2), 11-13.


These articles definitely cover the areas of science centres/museums.
Other field trip research we have not researched in detail.

If you have any difficulties, get back to me at my address below.

Terry




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TERRY McCLAFFERTY (escapee from Darwin, Northern Territory..Outback Australia)
Doctoral Research Fellow
National Key Centre for Science and Mathematics Education
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia   6001
Email: [log in to unmask]
FAX:   +61  9  351 2503
PHONE: +61  9  351 2989         HOME PHONE: +61  9  313 1819
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