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Charlie--

There have been many studies on the impact of field trips, generally showing varying degrees of positive impact. You can find many references by searching this topic on www.informalcommons.org.
The NRC Learning Science in Informal Environments report summarizes the findings (Box 5-1, pp. 132-135). Not surprisingly, impact is dependent on the extent of advance preparation, active participation in museum activities, involvement of teachers and chaperones, and reinforcement after the trip.

Dave Ucko
Museums + more
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> Date:    Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:57:06 -0700
> From:    Charles Carlson <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Declining attendance from school groups [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
> 
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> Thinking about the topic briefly:
> 
> I think we're all running an experiment, whether or not we know it.  Very broadly, does a visit school field trip make a difference?  It would be interesting to know the answer.  But that's a really big study, and I don't know if the investment is commensurate with the potential return.  While doing a video conference is an option, it a whole additional unknown.  
> 
> Studies with rats suggest that some enrichment is better than none, but once a threshold is reach more enrichment has significantly diminishing value.  There was a great radiolab show about Zoos today.  I particularly liked the zoo segment.  http://www.radiolab.org/series/podcasts/  Apparently, it's not up yet.
> C
> 
> Charles Carlson
> Senior Scientist
> exploratorium
> 3601 Lyon St.
> San Francisco, CA 94123
> [log in to unmask]
> Tel:   415-561-0319
> Fax:  415-561-0370
> 
> Skype: sciskypecharlie
> MobileMe: [log in to unmask]
> Twitter: charliec53
> http://blogs.exploratorium.edu/whyintercept/

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