ARTLAB+Q?rius Art-Science Workshop Series Evaluation 2015: Full STEAM Ahead Formative Evaluation

This two-part evaluation consists of a baseline audience study as well as an outcome evaluation of the Full STEAM Ahead Teen Art-Science workshop sponsored jointly by ARTLAB+ of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Museum of Natural History Q?rius program. The first part of of the study establishes a baseline of art-science perceptions of 250 anonymous teens self-identified as art-oriented, science-oriented, or dually oriented. The second part compares workshop participant perceptions to the general population both before and after the workshop. Findings showed that after the workshop, participants had a greater understanding of how each discipline furthers the other; that arts-oriented students are interested in science and seeking "safe" environments to pursue their science interest; that the art-science workshops provide such an environment and enahnce arts-oriented students' interest in science. The study also revealed the challenge of helping science-oriented students to recognize the role of creativity in the scientific process.