Preparation of field trips by teachers using websites from science museums in Brazil, China and Portugal

Abstract

Nowadays non-formal education settings, such as science museums, are considered fundamental
for the promotion of people’s scientific literacy, by bringing science closer to their visitors and by
enabling interaction between different areas of knowledge. Four science museums from each of
countries: Brazil, China and Portugal were selected for the present study, which aimed at analysing
their websites in relation to the resources available for teachers to prepare study visits. In order to
accomplish such purpose, a data collection instrument was designed by defining the following a
priori categories: information for the visit; educational activities available; resources for teachers;
and online activities. Results point to the need for greater supply of resources concerning the
preparation of study visits, mainly with regard to the ‘pre-visit’, ‘during the visit’ and ‘post-visit’
stages, as a way of supporting teachers’ practices.