Chapter 3 of Surrounded by Science goes over some insights gained from research on informal learning environments. These are 3 strategies thought to be key in supporting learning and they are:

• Juxtaposition
• Multiple Modes
• Interactivity

The first is the way in which people’s ideas about science combine with what is being presented to them. It has been found that during a lot of passive learning (where no juxtaposition takes place), people reinforce their initial ideas instead of identifying the differences between their understanding of science and what is presented. In other words, their misconceptions take precedence over what has been established by the scientific community for hundreds of years. Therefore, it is vital when presenting a scientific idea to be aware of the preconceptions that people have and juxtapose it with the correct and scientifically accepted way of thinking.

Additionally it is important to also have multiple ways for people to engage with scientific concepts. It is unlikely that people learning Newton’s first law for the first time would believe it to be true, as it goes against everything that they have experienced thus far. On the other hand, putting these people into a weightless environment, such as the ‘vomit comet’ or a free-falling elevator, will make them learn about this concept pretty quickly. For a safer approach, a near-by air hockey table equipped with puck and mallet may suffice.

A third tool for supporting learning is called interactivity; allowing a person to physically interact with the phenomenon. It is a specific case of the second strategy (multiple modes), and to continue using the example of Newton’s first law, a person could be taken into space and given a little push. The fact that the person (now in motion) will not stop should solidify his/her faith in the new knowledge that he/she has grasped. Alternatively, a clip from the new movie Gravity may suffice: this. Observe how not only is Sandra Bullock’s linear motion conserved, but also the rotation acquired when she detached from the robotic arm.