Museums and galleries observation and research.

  Observing the behaviour of school groups out of their comfort zone.

Fig.1

Observations at the national football museum:

• Seating area to watch short clips of important/ significant matches (on a loop) - for groups of children this would be a good spot to explain details of the visit and discuss health and safety issues/ procedures.
• Photographs of 'iconic' footballers, with inspirational quotes from them - young footballer may feel encouraged by the words of their favourite players.
• Interactive screens, hall of fame, facts and information - this is a good way to allow people to find out information they may not already know, the hall of fame may introduce new players that a well know in history to young children.
• Table football - this is a good way to occupy children's minds if they get bored.
• Headphone area with radio commentary - this is good for visitors as they can catch up on missed game time.
• Modern art, interpretations footballer scenarios and footballers - on an educational basis I don't think this is useful, I do however think it is interesting and somewhat comical to see.
• History of the types of ball used, history of kits - this is a pretty interesting section of the museum as I feel that children will be fascinated by the development of the ball, I also feel that they will be grateful and appreciative of the quality of ball and kit forms they have in the modern day.
• Make your own mascot - i think that children will really enjoy this part, although they it could be made better with a wider variety of images for the creation of the mascot.
• Football education games - some of the questions on the games were pretty difficult but I feel that children who a very educated on the football history will love the challenge.
• Football badge rubbing's - young children will like this part of the museum as they can get involved and create an image of their favourite team badge.
• Interactive games with projections and videos, educational videos - these are beneficial to visual and kinesthetic learners witch is good to see that different learning styles have been considered.
• After your visit you are able to leave feedback in the form of a video that you record yourself, or by simply filling out a feedback card. (fig.1)

Observations at Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI):

• Regular head counts to ensure all pupils are present.
• Brief talks outside the museum and in the entrance, health and safety information, do's and don't's etc.
• Short tasks and games like finding specific things etc.
• Running around, children running around and being quite loud.
• One teacher said 'you can do anything you want' which suggests trust in the pupils.

The images below show some of the objects at the MOSI.