The CONNECT project proposes to create a learning environment that will wed effective informal learning strategies with exemplary formal curricular activities in an attractive learning environment that utilizes cutting edge information and communication technologies in science education.

The CONNECT project’s approach has the real classroom as the point of reference. It is not pointing though to bring the museum at school but to connect the different educational environments, keeping alive their strengths. By describing and analysing the functionalities of the virtual thematic park and by creating operational terminology, the partnership aims

• to guide the design of future museum-school collaborations and
• to document efforts that seek to bring the worlds of formal and informal learning closer together.

The project demonstrates an innovative approach that crosscuts the boundaries between schools, museums, research centers and science thematic parks and involves students and teachers in extended episodes of playful learning. To assure maximal usability of the new tools, optimal adaptation to the local environments and realistic evaluation of the pedagogical effects, the CONNECT project uses a heavily student-centred approach. This will be achieved by using many schools in Finland, Greece, Sweden, and United Kingdom. Moreover, the trials are used to strengthen the connections between schools and informal learning of all students, i.e. visits in museums and in science parks (see 'Work in Progress').

The central research question of the CONNECT project is: Under what conditions can the technology of AR, combined with interactive science exhibits, support student learning? A number of issues arise when investigating this question.  Specifically, to what extent and under what conditions:

• can exhibits with AR interactive features improve informal learning? 
• can broadband technology support communication and data flow between schools and science centres?
• can broadband connections enable students, who cannot visit a far-away science centre, to take advantage of a remote AR visit?

Tackling the research questions of the project demands the coordinated efforts of an interdisciplinary team of workers with theoretical and practical expertise in diverse disciplines. This project brings together schools and science centres, and produces novel computer-based technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and broadband technology. Such interactive learning environments can better contextualize and support learning in school, but also in other settings where children and youth learn (i.e. science centres and home). These environments allow students to visit science centres and perform experiments that are not possible in school. They can also build on these experiences back at school and at home through visual augmentations. Through these “connecting” partnerships, the learning benefits are maximized in ways difficult to afford by either schools or science centres alone, and they boost the potential of making significant contributions to the field of science education.