Tomoyuki Nogami

Preliminary Evaluation of a System for Helping Children Observe the Anatomies and Behaviors of Animals in a Zoo.

In order to support children’s scientific observation in zoos, we developed a system for helping children to observe the anatomies and behaviors of animals. This system provides viewpoints for observation via animations. Observing the anatomies and behaviors of animals is related to scientific observation. As a case study, we developed a system for learning about penguins and held a workshop at Kobe Municipal Oji Zoo. At the workshop, 19 elementary students used the system and observed how penguins swim and walk along with the skeletons of their legs and flippers. We examined the evaluations of children’s enjoyment of this system. They responded to five items on their feelings about using this system on five-point scales. The number of affirmative responses was found to be more in number than neutral or negative responses. Children were able to enjoy using this system for observing the anatomies and behaviors of animals in a

Children's Evaluations of a System Supporting Observation of Anatomies and Behaviors of Animals in Zoos

In order to support childrens observation and taxonomic judgment in zoos, we developed a pilot system to provide animated visualizations of the anatomy and behavior of penguins. Nineteen children observed penguins and a penguin skeleton. We examined the childrens evaluations of this system by conducting interviews. Most evaluations were positive; for example, the system helped children understand penguin anatomy and behavior, which they could not observe just by watching live penguins. From childrens evaluations, the system was found to be useful.