Students’ Views of Science Learning During Visits to Science Museums: A Case Study

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of science museums in students’ learning of science. Science museums have the potential to improve students’ learning of science, especially in their cognition and attitudes. A survey study was conducted on 142 primary and junior high school students, and it was found that (a) Chinese parents take their children to science museums with the intention that they gain scientific knowledge; (b) exhibits in science museums are believed to lead to an increase in children’s knowledge of and interest in science through hands-on activity; and (c) it is hoped that students are inspired by the visual stimulation when they visit science museums, thus stimulating creativity throughout their lives. The survey data also suggest a deficiency in science learning in museums.