Do these kinds of musuems, say the liberty science center in new jersey for example, actually encourage kids to learn more about science, or even teach kids anything? Or are they just indoor amusement parks?
Do more traditional yet dry musueams do a better or worse job of getting kids interested in science?
2006-10-05 15:32:31 · 7 answers · asked by abcdefghijk 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
you all make good points but you have to askm would you have still been interested in science without the museum or along the same lines did you fall in love with the museum because you love science?
2006-10-05 16:06:12 · update #1
Not in my case, they didn't.
All it took were three good teachers for math, physics and chemistry.
2006-10-13 04:03:05 · answer #1 · answered by cordefr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it really helps kids understand and get interested in science when they can actually get up close and personal with the scientific ideas and experiments themselves. I know at the Science and Industry Museum in Chicago, there are tons of hands-on things to do and learn. I know I got interested when I was there, especially the medical aspect of science. It was definitely exciting.
2006-10-12 21:26:44 · answer #2 · answered by unicoreattackk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the same could be said about art, music, or theater. I do believe these museums effectively pique curiosity, which is the seminal notion of science. It also clears away the need for superstition (people will invent their own answers to try to make the world knowable- just look at some of the answers in this site) and protects from misinformation.
Science is knowable-- observations, natural phenomenon, and effects can be explained. Hands-on museums help anchor this concept in kids whose natural curiosity needs to be channeled.
2006-10-13 17:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I have given hands on astronomy type work at Boston's Museum of Science and I would have to say yes. Some kids were really excited. (Others just wanted a hot dog from the cafe.)
2006-10-05 22:50:11 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Museums are a learning experience to kids whether it be a children museum or any other kind of museums..... it is up to you the parents or the "Guide" to incite them to ask... to see with curiosity.. and to have question after question be answered by YOU and not by the lines or the plaque on the wall or the guide earphones.... You must make it interesting.... exciting and a learning experience..otherwise its just a trip to a fun house.
2006-10-05 22:52:03 · answer #5 · answered by gg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! I haven't been to any in New Jersey, but the Boston Museum of Science has been one of my favorite places in the world since I was 10 years old. I still go everytime I'm in town. I'm currently finishing up a Ph.D. in astrophysics. BMOS definitely played a part in my interest in science.
2006-10-05 22:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, that touristy amusement park oriented crap ticks me off too. I think the dry, straight forward museums do 1,000,000 times better job.
NASA ruined their great space museum in Houston, replacing it with the stupid "Space Center Houston", a goofy touristy amusement so-called "space museum".
2006-10-05 22:40:42 · answer #7 · answered by x 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋