A historical look at informal chemical education in science museums

CHED 177

April N. French, frencha@nsula.edu, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Northwestern State University, 118 Fournet Hall, Natchitoches, LA 71457 and Joseph A. Heppert, jheppert@ku.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045-7582.
Informal chemical education in science museums has evolved from small displays of classroom demonstrations within chemistry departments to people-sized atoms in modern museum exhibits. The development of the modern science museum is examined through chemical education in this environment and will focus on how informal chemical education in science museums has been portrayed in the literature. Examination of published chemistry exhibits and outreach programs in science museums since “A Formula For Success, Chemistry at Science Museums” by Templeton was published will be used to highlight the need for more chemistry in science museums.
 

Chemistry in Informal Learning Environments
8:30 AM-11:45 AM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Jasperwood, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008