‘Beauty in the foreground, science behind the scenes’: families’ views of science learning in a botanic garden

Families primarily perceive botanic gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as aesthetically beautiful spaces rather than as venues for science learning. However, interpretive guidance can help them recognize and appreciate the scientific aspects of these environments. A study involving 24 families at Kew found that while families initially focused on the garden's beauty, interpretation linked science to the plants, enabling families to engage with science learning more effectively. This suggests that enhancing interpretive provision in botanic gardens could significantly improve visitors' understanding and appreciation of scientific concepts.

Haywood, N. (2018). ‘Beauty in the foreground, science behind the scenes’: families’ views of science learning in a botanic garden. Environmental Education Research, 24(8), 1085–1101. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2018.1469116