An educational intervention maximizes children’s learning during a zoo or aquarium visit
Courtney Collins, Ilse Corkery, Sean McKeown, Lynda McSweeney, Kevin L. Flannery, Declan Kennedy, Ruth M. O’Riordan
Abstract
Children comprise many of the visitors to zoos every year, yet few studies have explored the impact of a zoo visit on children’s learning. This study employed a repeated measure design using data gathered from 500 questionnaires to investigate students’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior before and after visiting a zoo or aquarium in Ireland. A treatment group participated in a purposefully developed educational intervention, which included a hands-on activity, intended to enhance learning. Results indicate that learning does occur after a zoo or aquarium visit. However, students visiting the zoo and those who participated in the educational intervention showed the greatest increases in learning. A zoo visit has educational benefits for children, but to maximize this benefit an educational intervention should be offered.