By Naomi Haywood, Karen Davies and Lauren Souter Supporting young children’s learning from science objects: the importance of play on gallery By James Mansell, Annie Jamieson and Alexander De Little Staging listening: new methods for engaging audiences with sound in museums By David H Lee Reports and commands: deciphering a health exhibition using the SPEAKING mnemonic By Elizabeth Haines and Anna Woodham Mobilising the Energy in Store: stored collections, enthusiast experts and the ecology of heritage By Ceri Pitches Threading through history: the vertical transmission of Davy, Faraday and Tyndall’s lecture demonstration practices By Andrea Bandelli and Elly A. Konijn Museums as brokers of participation: how visitors view the emerging role of European science centres and museums in policy