Informal science institutions and learning to teach: An examination of identity, agency, and affordances

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer D. Adams ◽  
Preeti Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Learning To Teach ◽  
Informal Science ◽  
Informal Science Institutions

scholarly journals School Site to Museum Floor: How informal science institutions work with schools

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1489-1507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Phillips ◽  
Doreen Finkelstein ◽  
Saundra Wever‐Frerichs
Keyword(s):  
Informal Science ◽  
School Site ◽  
Informal Science Institutions

scholarly journals Biomimicry outside the Classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-124
Author(s):  
Rebecca S. Eagle-Malone
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Keynote Address ◽  
Informal Science ◽  
Scientific Concepts ◽  
Classroom Learning ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Informal Science Institutions

Biomimicry, the process of using nature to guide innovative thinking and development, can be useful in helping students grasp scientific concepts. Teachers interested in incorporating biomimicry into lesson plans might find that experiential learning at informal science institutions (ISIs) with natural models and artifacts is a valuable tool to accompany classroom learning. Visiting these ISIs, students have the opportunity to observe nature in real time and be immersed in inspiration. As students explore these natural models in habitats and exhibits, educators might ask students to consider the interesting features they observe and to creatively consider innovative designs that these features could inspire. For example, an elephant’s trunk might inspire a robotic arm. These direct experiences at ISIs might draw upon students’ innate biophilia to learn more about living organisms and lead to increased creativity and design output. I developed this guide based on my experiences as an informal biomimicry educator and my 2017 keynote address presented at the Annual Docent Conference at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

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