Science Museums as a didactic resource for Secondary Education

Abstract

The demotivation of students toward science is a fact, so there is a need to promote new ways to teach and motivate students. In this work, we propose to take advantage of non-formal resources, such as science museums, as didactic resources. However, are all science museums educationally appropriate? In this study, 40 science museums in Spain were analyzed using a rubric developed for this purpose and which included the main characteristics of the didactic resources, 2nd generation and interactive museums. It was found that 21 of the museums analyzed are excellent or optimal teaching resources. These museums are not only promoters of the interest and motivation of high school students, but they are also committed to developing critical thinking and addressing science-related phenomena, becoming strongholds of formal and non-formal scientific education.