I have been using a "learning to read natural history objects " approach in our education programs for the last 7 years and in our visitor services since we opened the Naturalist Center in 1976. I published an article in "Science Teacher" magazine in Jan. , 1988 entitled "A Touchable Museum That Teaches" that highlights the work we have done with school groups. I would be happy to send copies of the article to anyone who wants one. You can E-Mail me privately or send me a note via snail-mail at the address at the bottom. We have also done numerous workshops around the country on helping museums and similar resources work together with their area schools using a "learning to read natural history objects" approach, with great success. Evaluations by students doing our school group programs and the teachers in our workshops reflected about a 95% positive response to this approach. Over 65% volunteered comments that said they viewed museums and museum objects in a different and more positive light. We are now pursuing programs to see how that approach can be modified using images, collection information, etc. for network access for those who can't come to our Center. Again, I'd be more than happy to provide any additional information you may need or desire....brochures, curriculum guides, background info, etc. (obviously it is an philosophy and approach that I have strong feelings towards! :-) ) Richard Efthim, Naturalist Center National Museum of Natural History Washington, DC 20560 (202)357-1503 fax:(202)786-2778 [log in to unmask]