Informal Science Learning in Designed Spaces

This presentation will review what we know about learning in environments that are intentionally designed to engage people with the physical and natural world. These environments include museums, science centers, zoos and aquariums, nature centers and their component programs.  The findings are grouped according to the six learning strands that characterize informal science experiences.  The findings show considerable evidence of learning across the strands, particularly relating to positive emotional responses, factual recall, engagement in scientific exploration, reflection on science when facilitated, and the development of identities as science learners.  It is recommended that more long term research be undertaken in order to study the cumulative effects of informal learning experiences in designed spaces; that further research examines the social interactions that relate to learning in these environments; and that we continue to study effects of learning tools and mediation in these settings.