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Andy;

Funny you should ask that question. We have begun two programs that 
are aimed at our younger audience. The first is a research program 
(just funded by NSF) to understand how to explain the biological 
basis for evolution to children under 12 yo. There is research 
(primarily done by Dr Margaret Evans at U of Michigan) that shows 
that children can be prepared to understand evolution if the 
developmental stages they go through in their cognitive development 
is taken into account. We hope to translate that work into an 
exhibition and programs for science centers to use in presenting 
evolution. This maybe applicable to presenting complex science, in 
general, in science centers by looking at children's cognitive 
development in other areas eg mathematics. This would also be 
applicable to other informal settings; like zoos, aquaria, botanical 
gardens, natural history museums and nature centers.  If anyone wants 
more information or references let me know.

  I'd be particularly interested if anyone has developed any programs 
based upon an understanding of children's cognitive development

The second project is one to develop carts which our Explainers will 
use to engage our family audiences in technology. Probably nothing 
novel in the use of carts but we are specifically aiming at family 
groups which at the Hall are composed of children average age 7 yo. 
Anyone having experience, both positive and negative wish to share 
experiences?

Martin

>Hi everyone
>
>could I take this question a little further?  Has anyone encountered 
>presentations of contemporary science and technology (in exhibitions 
>and/or programmes) specifically aimed at children under 10?  We, 
>along with many science centres (I suspect) are seeing our audience 
>gradually get younger.  I want to try and run with this, but I don't 
>know if anyone else already has.  Any thoughts?
>
>Cheers
>
>Andy
>Centre for Life
>Newcastle, UK
>
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-- 
Martin Weiss, Ph.D
Vice President, Science
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111 th Street
Corona, New York 11368
718 699 0005 x 356

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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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