Family knowledge building: How designed learning environments can support conversations around complex topics like manufacturing

April 1st, 2009 | RESEARCH

Designed learning environments like museums have the potential to change the way that families think and talk about scientific topics together in everyday contexts like the home. The current study examines the affect of a visit to a museum exhibit highlighting the processes of manufacturing on the ability of parents and children to talk about how familiar objects are made. A model for family knowledge building is also presented as a means of assessing whether parents and children improved their understanding of manufacturing processes after their museum visit. A simulated home activity provides initial evidence that designed learning environments can help parents and children have rich process discussions around objects.

Document

Family_knowledge-building.pdf

Team Members

Camellia Sanford-Dolly, Author, Rockman, et. al.

Tags

Audience: Evaluators | Families | Museum | ISE Professionals
Discipline: Education and learning science | Engineering | Technology
Resource Type: Conference Proceedings | Reference Materials
Environment Type: Conferences | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits | Professional Development | Conferences | Networks