A theoretical learning model for educationally oriented recreation settings shows how cognitive outcomes are encouraged from interactive devices when a high level of perceived control is found. In contrast, when interactive devices allow minimum levels of perceived control, visitors gain pleasure but often miss the intent of the message. (LZ)

A workshop setting can be a perfect forum for achieving the goal of educating teachers and others about conservation issues. This article discusses how the following factors work together to create a successful and effective workshop: (1) quality content, (2) effective style, and (3) outstanding organization. (LZ)

Presents an outline of an environmental program designed for the protected coastal site in the Balearic Islands. Describes the criteria and steps used for the program planning, the characteristics of the resources and available funding. Discusses the educational potential offered by the ecological features of the islands. (four references)…

Discusses the interpretation of weather for children and shares program ideas to interpret the water cycle, thunderstorms (including fear of thunderstorms), and rainbows (including the colors of the rainbow). (MKR)

The Nez Perce Tribe is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reintroduce the gray wolf to central Idaho. The tribe does all the fieldwork with the wolves and shares their work with the public at the Wolf Education and Research Center, Winchester, Idaho. Despite opposition from ranchers and legislators, the wolf population is…

Provides guidelines for planning and conducting a guided nature walk of short duration (1-3 hours) that provides opportunities for spontaneous teachable moments. Includes pre-hike planning related to public relations, the theme of the walk, and the trail; and tips for matching the presentation of material, discussion, and group activities to…

A survey of 447 visitors to a Kansas zoo examined adult visitors' motivations for themselves and companions. In another survey, 118 zoo educators nationwide predicted visitor responses. Educators' predictions were fairly good for visitors' educational and recreational motives for attendance, less accurate for their social orientation, and poor…

Addresses challenges facing many developing countries in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive natural resource management policy when environmental conservation takes a back seat to agricultural production. Examines current environmental education and interpretation efforts in the Dominican Republic and offers suggestions for developing an…

Describes the Wilderness Ranger program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Rangers patrol backcountry areas to provide information and education to hikers and campers, thereby helping to protect both the visitors and the wilderness resource. (Author/WB)

To handle controversial issues effectively, interpreters must do the following: (1) be well prepared with information regarding the site and different viewpoints on the subject; (2) be aware of possible visitor emotions related to the nature of the subject or their personal involvement; (3) use sensitivity in dealing with legends, reputations and…

Discusses a variety of high-tech exhibit media used in The Living World, an educational facility operated by The Saint Louis Zoo. Considers the strengths and weaknesses of holograms, video, animatronics, video-equipped microscopes, and computer interactives. Computer interactives are treated with special attention. (LZ)

This paper discusses the functions of the various mass media and the role they have in interpreting the Australian environment. Discusses the role of the mass media in extension and focuses briefly on some theories of education and how effective the mass media are in the light of these theories. (Author/LZ)

Learning in the affective domain is an important aspect of the interpretive experience. A heuristic model was developed for use as a conceptual framework for describing the affective process in interpretation. The model serves as a basis for making recommendations for the practice of interpretation. (LZ)

Evaluations of visitors' reactions to interpretation in Australian national parks found that guided activities provided more immediate responses to visitors' questions on Aboriginal culture than on-site signs; a well-designed interpretive mural mitigated people's disappointment at visiting wetlands when no birds were present; and ranger-guided…

Describes the National Park Service's implementation of guidelines to incorporate Native American perspectives into environmental, historical, and cultural interpretation programs in National Parks. Methods include brochure and sign alteration, hiring Indian interpreters and seasonal employees, and actively consulting with tribes to avoid…