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I believe the whole idea that a field trip visit links to standardized
testing results is a set-up for failure.  Although museums may show how exhibit
content may link to science curriculum standards at various grade levels, what
students actually do during a visit is probably so far removed from the items on
the test that there is no reason to believe that field trips will impact
standardized tests in any significant way.

One interesting program the Science Museum of Virginia has developed is a
workshop they will conduct for students -- the workshop activities are directly
linked to the tests, so there should be a direct impact on tests there, if the
program works.  You can argue about whether that should be a major science
center activity or not, but at least there, the student experience is set up to
impact test scores.

Bob Russell
Learning Experience Design
Science Advisor, Celebra la Ciencia
www.celebralaciencia.org
(202) 997-5539

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