Animation-Based Learning Contents for Supporting Scientific Observations of Animals in Zoos: A Pilot Study of Parents and Children Observing Seals’ Features and Behaviors

Abstract

We developed and evaluated animation-based learning contents for supporting scientific observations of animals in zoos. The contents provide the viewpoints of scientific observation. In order to evaluate whether the contents support observation, we developed cases of contents for observable features and behaviors of the hind flippers, noses, and claws of seals, and implemented a workshop for parents and children. The participants of the workshop were 15 parent-child pairs. Their average age was 7.0 years (SD = 2.0). We analyzed the video data of these 15 parent-child pairs’ observations using the contents. The results show that most parent-child pairs were able to observe the seals’ features and/or behavior using animation-based learning contents.