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We do have a strict child:adult ratio (5:1).  We make sure the field
trips know this when scheduling.  We have implemented a new check-in
with field trips.  When they arrive we talk to them about what we
expect.  Of course we do it in a fun manner.  And then we split them up
into groups and do an exhibit demo where we show them how to interact
with the exhibits and how the chaperones can assist in the students'
experience and not just be baby-sitters.  We do make sure that they
understand students should stay with their chaperones and if we see kids
running loose we will make sure they get back with their chaperone.  We
did have an incident of where we had deliberate vandalism with a school,
that's when we decided we have the right to ask a school to leave. 

It's help with us.  But everyone is different.  Hope this helps.

Erin Martin
Distance Learning Educator
Discovery Center of Springfield
438 E. St. Louis 
Springfield, Mo. 65806
(417) 862-9910 x705
[log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Edgerton [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 12:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: vandalage and breakism

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****

Greetings,

We have had an increasing problem with breakage, sometimes verging into
vandalism, in the museum over the years. After their class with one of
our
educators, the school groups have free time in the museum. We think that
is
when the most damage occurs: when big groups of kids with less than
ideal
supervision are at large. We feel that not only do the exhibits suffer
but
the kids are getting less content when they are "running wild". But it
is
hard to expect strict attention in structured situations from kids
during an
hour and a half or two hour visit. We think they need some unstructured
activity, but we can't condone "recess" on the museum floor. Where is
the
happy medium for you folks?

What do you specifically do when dealing with groups of kids. Do you
have
chaperone-to-kid ratios? How do you enforce that? Do you have specific
signage? Do you even allow free-range kidism? Do you have self guided
worksheets for the kids to check off regarding exhibit content? Any
other
ideas? Are others having the same problems?

How do we put some "tough love" into our limited-staff museum? We need
your
expertise and advice. Then we will do as my old mountain neighbor used
to
say:  "I get all the advice I can, and then I do exactly as I please!"
(Grin). Thanks everyone!

Phil Edgerton
The Health Adventure
Asheville, NC

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