Heider, Emily; Simkins, Kylee (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Heider, Emily (Utah Valley University, Chemistry)
Expansion of science literacy is increasingly accomplished outside of formal classroom settings with reports of informal learning (IL) experiences at nature centers, demonstration shows, science museums, and scouting. Some researchers have expanded the range of informal learning to also include media, libraries, and public parks. These informal portals to science knowledge provide inclusive settings for learning, and reports of their development research opportunities and benefits are garnering increasing attention. This research describes the integration of informal museum-based learning into college general chemistry courses using the School Museum Learning Framework. Outcomes related to course content were quantified using pre- and post- assessment measures. Additional outcomes quantifying student motivation were evaluated using the Science Motivation Questionnaire. Results show improvement in some course-related outcomes as well as differences in motivation for students who participate in informal learning when compared with students who complete a conventional chemistry course.