The Miami Science Museum website is a very polished, eye-catching representation of activities, outreach programs, and exhibits of the museum. Follow a path and it will eventually provide links to other organizations and educational programs. The actual science content of the site is shallow but it opens vistas to in-depth exploration at the museum or linked sites. The primary focus of the site's science content is at the grade school student, emphasizing elementary and middle school levels with a hint of high school depth. The museum offers field trips, camps, a link to participating Florida educators and institutions, and a variety of outreach programs. It teases with provocative questions (e.g. Why is the sky blue?), which it answers correctly (after you have clicked for the answer) in a manner not requiring more than the most general scientific background. Not a major research site (except, possibly, for some of the linked sites), it is an interesting eyeful emphasizing the physical resource of the museum to area institutions that can easily visit the museum. If the primary purpose of the site visitor is to find out what is available at the museum or seek instructional inspiration, then it is a very interesting and worthwhile site. It is not a site for the mature investigator seeking to explore the boundaries of present understanding.
**Review Updated: 12/11/02
The main purpose of this site is to disseminate information regarding the exhibits and special programs at the Miami Science Museum. As stated in the original review, the science content is shallow.
