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R@DIUS PROJECT AND RESEARCH CARTS: TWO NEW OUTREACH TECHNIQUES FROM THE DENVER BASIN PROJECT AT THE DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
The R@dius Project used a combination of teacher field training, classroom materials, videos, and live interactive datacasts to integrate current Museum research findings with the curricula of four local middle schools; focusing, in this initial effort, on the nature of the scientific method. Students participated in classroom learning with their own teachers, using materials and videos developed at the Museum. Through a partnership with the local PBS outlet, several metropolitan schools were outfitted with the technology to receive live interactive broadcasts featuring a Museum researcher. At the end of their studies, the students were able to watch his presentation and then ask him questions about his research and how he used the scientific method. As the test program conducted in the 2003-04 school year was successful, as measured in part by pre- and post-testing of the students, a second phase is planned, adding more schools and installing a more permanent datacasting infrastructure for future expansion.
Museum visitors are introduced to Denver Basin research through a newly-developed research cart program. Trained volunteers interact with guests at a mobile, specially-designed cart. Revolving around a particular research theme, the cart showcases relevant objects from the collections, and includes a computer to take advantage of digital imagery and other programming. Easily updated, both physically and through continuing volunteer training, the research carts provide the best public access to recent scientific findings.