Blunting the tensions between informal and formal education in science : reforming the relationship between the school and the science museum in Greece

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the relationship between formal and informal approaches to science education as mechanisms for dissemination of scientific knowledge. I then posit the combination of specific characteristics from the two approaches into a unified process of non-formal science education. In the second part of the paper, I describe the different types of science museum and present a taxonomy with respect to their educational mission. Finally, I describe the role of the three approaches in the educational system and I illustrate each one with specific examples from science museumspeer-reviewe