INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION AS A CRITICAL COMPONENT IN THE REVOLUTION IN EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATION

Most lifelong learning in science and significant out-of-school science learning occur via informal science education (ISE), such as offered by museums and zoos, public media, and libraries and the internet. Some of the most popular and significant topics of ISE fall within the Earth and space sciences, such as paleontology, earthquakes, volcanoes, and storms. A working group of the recent Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education workshop (2001, Snowmass, CO) considered the role that ISE might play in the next decade of reform in K-12 Earth and space science education. Recommendations of the working group include: promoting linkages between informal and formal science education; opening dialogue among ISE organizations and Earth science organizations; facilitating the involvement of researchers in ISE; working to improve the quality of Earth science content reported in the media; facilitating a more centralized dissemination medium for quality ISE programs and materials (such as DLESE); finding support of enhanced ongoing evaluation; disseminating model formal education materials through informal education venues, including teacher training workshops; and expanding opportunities for families, students, and schools to participate in scientific research and science fairs.

Given the potential impact of informal science education, in particular its influence on student attitudes toward their ability to do and understand science, it will be important within the next decade to (1), leverage the influence of informal science education within formal education settings, and find long-term means of evaluating the effectiveness of informal science education programs, (2) increase funding opportunities for scientists and upper level students to participate in public teaching, and (3) take advantage of new technologies to reach audiences in new ways.